Covertside Winter 2015

THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER RECAP • KESWICK CRAPSHOOT • FAVORITE HOUNDS

THE MAGAZINE OF MOUNTED FOXHUNTIN

WINTER 2015 • $5.00

sJ o h n C o l e s 2 015 s

“A Virginia Horseman Specializing in Virginia Horse Properties�

HiCkOrY TrEE

HiDDEN TrAiL FArm

The beautifully groomed 325 acres of this thoroughbred horse breeding & training farm rests at the edge of Middleburg. The gently rolling land includes a stately manor home, tenant homes, Confederate Hall, the barns and 6 furlong training track. The Georgian Style Training Barn is stunning and includes 28 stalls and a 1/8 mile indoor training track & paddocks. $10,750,000

Magnificent horse property in the midst of the serene countryside. From the picturesque Young Road two driveways access the 107 acres of Hidden Trail Farm. The first leads to one of the finest indoor arenas surrounded by exquisite ride out. The second is the graceful, park-like drive, which parallels a creek and then gently curves up to the elegant manor home. $6,500,000

TriLLium

grEEN gArDEN

LIVE, WORK and PLAY!!! Extraordinary 50 acr private estate. Stunning residence and 4 additional structures.

Stone terraces. Offices with fiber optic. 12 stall barn with 8 acres of fenced paddocks. Recreation building with gathering room & theatre.Resistance pool, stocked lake, orchard. Experience the easy flow of outdoor to indoor spaces. $4,474,000

c.1823, with a stunning tree lined entrance, offers one of the grand manor homes in the famed horse country of Upperville and Piedmont Hunt. Recently renovated, the home offers wonderful indoor and outdoor living areas.

Porches, gardens, barns, paddocks, riding arena, pond, pool and magnificent mountain views. $4,200,000

mErrYCHASE

SALEm HiLL

Magnificent 155 Acre Atoka Road Estate with gated entry opening into the private drive lined with mature trees. The charming historic manor home, c. 1827 backs to expansive views of fields and ponds. 4 tenant homes, 3 barns, indoor and outdoor riding arenas.

Gently rolling pasture land with fenced paddocks and fields. $3,600,000

51+ acre farm with a beautiful 5 BR home with gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, great views, pool, flagstone terrace and carriage house - extensive horse facilities - 9 stall barn, covered arena, outdoor arena, 7 paddocks, 4 stall shed row barn, machine shed. $2,500,000

HOuND HALL

Custom Built stone/stucco 3-story home on 100+ acres with 4 bedrooms plus large master in-law suite with separate parking and entrance. Slate roof,game room, custom theatre, workout room, study, office, dog room, custom kitchen, 4 stone fireplaces. Extensive horse facilities include 18 stall barn,2 stall barn, 14 paddocks, large ring and much more. $5,500,000

mEADOwgrOVE

Extraordinary 7 Bedroom estate on over 180 acres.

New Gourmet State of the Art Kitchen & Baths.

Gorgeous full wall of windows overlooking a 10 acre lake. Pool and poolhouse with fireplace, spa and new tennis courts. Ideal for horses with 10 stall stable, paddocks with run-in sheds. $3,950,000

FOX DEN

Restored Farm House, c.1830 on 65 Private Acres near Middleburg. 3 porches add to the charm. Other features include pool, 4 stall barn with guest suite, 4 bay open equipment barn and 2 bay garage. Shared pond. VOF and PEC Easements do allow for two additional dwellings. $2,395,000

LAND

FOX HOLLOw

OAk THOrPE FArm

HOPEWELL ROAD - 82.99 acres with access from either The Plains Road or Hopewell Road. Nice elevation and several options for house sites. All wooded, with amazing view potential. Includes a certification letter for a 5 BR septic system. Property is in Easement and cannot be further subdivided. $1,495,000

4 level traditional brick home beautifully blends with the custom cedar Timberpeg-3 season porches & family room addition. Horse facilities include:4 stall, center aisle barn, run-in shed, 3 fenced paddocks on 10 mostly open acres w/easy access to tremendous ride out. Indoor & outdoor entertaining areas, pool with raised spa. $1,435,000

OLD CARTERS MILL RD - 53+ acres of beautiful, open and gently rolling land with expansive views of the countryside and distant mountains. Located in the coveted Orange County Hunt Territory of Fauquier County, this land provides exceptional ride-out potential. A home-site has been studied including engineers report verifying a site for a 5 Bedroom septic, well and potential pond site. Open space easement, land cannot be divided.

$1,400,000

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 5 bath home on over 50 acres with incredible views in all directions. Perfect for horse enthusiasts or great for enjoying country living. Elegant living spaces perfect for parties. Fencing, convertible barn, water features, lush gardens, covered porches and decks for outdoor entertaining and much more. OldDominion Hunt Territory. $1,345,000

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

(540) 270-0094 THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE (540) 687-6500

Middleburg, Virginia 20118

www.Thomas-Talbot.com

Page 40

Better hunting comes from knowing your hounds.

WINTER 2015 • VOLUME 6, NUMBER 5

Features 16 THE KESWICK CRAPSHOOT

BY JOHN J. “JAKE” CARLE

Is it luck or careful breeding that creates a great hound?

22 MAROCHA: FROM CHUKKARS TO COVERTS

BY RHYS MOORE

This polo pony moonlights as a field hunter.

32 DAVE TRAXLER

MY FAVORITE HOUND

BY KATIE BO WILLIAMS Great nose, strong fox-sense, reliability — it differs for every huntsman.

IN EACH ISSUE:

14

28

From the President p.2

YOUNG ENTRY The International Foxhunting Exchange welcomes Pony Club kids from around the world.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Holiday shopping must haves for family, friends and yourself.

From the Publisher p.4

MFHA News p.6

36

HEALTHY HORSE Tips to keep your horse healthy through the winter.

40

BETTER HUNTING Understanding hound behavior with Iroquois Huntsman Lilla Mason.

Last Run of the Day p.52

42

BETTER RIDING Working on “whoa.”

48

FARE AND FLASK Mill Creek Hunt delights with a casserole favorite.

50

LIBRARY Great reads for long winter days.

ON OUR COVER: Say goodbye to another successful season. Closing hunt for Ottawa Valley Hunt in Ontario, Canada with former OVH Huntsman Mark McManus. PHOTO BY HEATHER SWAN WINTER 2015 | 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Principled

W

2 | COVERTSIDE

www.mfha.com

OFFICERS

Dr. John R. van Nagell, MFH • President Patrick A. Leahy, MFH • First Vice-President Leslie Crosby, MFH • Second Vice-President Joseph Kent, ex-MFH • Secretary-Treasurer Lt. Col. Dennis J. Foster, ex-MFH • Executive Director

MFHA FOUNDATION

Dr. John R. van Nagell, MFH • Chairman PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680

HUNT STAFF BENEFIT FOUNDATION Nancy Stahl, MFH • Chairman PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680

COVERTSIDE EDITORIAL BOARD DAVE TRAXLER

hen a person is described as being “principled,” it usually implies that he or she has high ethical standards and does everything possible to live the right way.

In this day and age, when those who do not understand foxhunting describe it in less than complimentary terms, it is important to reiterate those principles which define the sport. First, foxhunting is based on the highest standards of sportsmanship — it is all about watching hounds as they hunt in a natural habitat and about developing riding skills, which allow us to keep up with the chase. Second, foxhunting promotes land and habitat conservation. Members of the hunting community have placed over one million acres in conservation easement, and the sport supports the principle that preserving habitat and natural open spaces enriches the lives of everyone. Third, foxhunting is based on the highest standards of animal welfare for both hounds and horses. “The Kennel Notebook,” which is provided to every hunt, summarizes best care practices for hounds at every age. Likewise, standards for the training and care of field hunters are among the highest in the equine world.

Every recognized MFHA hunt is required to adhere to these standards, and district representatives visit each kennel to exchange ideas and make sure that care is optimal. Finally, foxhunters have a unique relationship with landowners based on the principle of respect for agriculture and country living. We never forget the privilege afforded us by those families who allow us to ride over their land.

These winter months are a magical time for hunting. Our young hounds are no longer novices and often show the brilliance we had hoped for. Nothing is more exciting than seeing the entire pack speaking in full cry as they move effortlessly across the countryside. How fortunate we are to participate in this sport!

MASTERS OF FOXHOUNDS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

These winter months are a magical time for hunting.

Our young hounds are no longer novices and often show the brilliance we had hoped for.

The upcoming annual meeting in New York promises to be educational, entertaining, and a lot of fun. Our guest speaker, Captain Mark Phillips, will talk about the relationship between foxhunting and excellence in cross-country riding. All of you are invited, and please don’t miss it. I look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jack van Nagell, MFH President, MFHA

Emily Esterson • Editor-in-Chief Dennis J. Foster, ex-MFH Dr. John R. van Nagell, MFH Patrick A. Leahy, MFH Leslie Crosby, MFH

DIRECTORS

Canada • Laurel Byrne, MFH Carolinas • Fred Berry, MFH Central • Arlene Taylor, MFH Great Plains • Dr. Luke Matranga, MFH Maryland-Delaware • Sheila Brown, MFH Midsouth • Orrin Ingram, MFH Midwest • Keith Gray, MFH New England • Dr. Terence Hook, MFH New York-New Jersey • Marion Thorne, MFH Northern Virginia-West Virginia • Tad Zimmerman, MFH Pacific • Terry Paine, MFH Pennsylvania • Russell B. Jones, Jr., ex-MFH Rocky Mountain • Mary Ewing, MFH Southern • Mercer Fearington, MFH Virginia • Bob Ferrer, MFH Western • John P. Dorrier Jr., MFH At Large • Daphne Wood, MFH At Large • Mason H. Lampton, MFH At Large • Dr. G. Marvin Beeman, MFH At Large • Ed Kelly, MFH

COVERTSIDE (ISSN 1547-4216) is published quarterly (February, May, August and November) by the Masters of Foxhounds Association 675 Lime Marl Lane, Berryville, VA 22611. Periodical Postage Paid at Winchester, VA 22601 and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MFHA, PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646. COVERTSIDE READERS: Direct all correspondence to the same address. Tel: (540)955-5680. Website: www.mfha.com

PENNSYLVANIA’S FAMED HUNT COUNTRY

EQUESTRIAN ESTATE

SWINGTAIL FARM, CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY:

Rivals anything found in Wellington or Tryon! Set on 33.1 acs. with charming home, Tenant House, 27 stall stable, stone bank Barn, large Indoor & Outdoor arenas plus numerous fenced pastures & paddocks. Everything is here! $2,795,000

This great farm sits on 33.4 acs. w/ spacious 5BR, 4.1BA, 8 stall Barn, fabulous in-ground Pool, super apartment over Garage plus woodlands & pastures.

Short hack to Laurels Preserve! $2,450,000

ALNWYCK FARM, CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

FOXTALE FARM, CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

RADNOR HUNT AT BRANDYWINE

This private farm has it all! Large 5BR, 4.2BA home with high-end finishes and indoor pool!

Stunning 4 stall barn, several pastures, large ring and great riding in nearby Cheslen Preserve!

Unionville Schools! $2,250,000

CRACKERJACK FARM, MARSHALLTON

92 ac. farm well-maintained 5BR, 3BA home, 6 stall Barn, Spring House, pond, stream, open fields & woodlands. ALL AT GREAT PRICE! Currently organic farm but awaits your horses! $2,191,000

Set well off the road is this charming log & brick 3BR, 2.1BA home on 24+ acs. Impeccably restored with first floor master & great Kitchen! Great 6 stall Barn, large ring & numerous pastures. $1,600,000

This special property contains a large 5BR, 4.1BA stone home & a large newer 4 stall Barn on 15 acres. The historic home has unusually large rooms (LR: 30x18; DR: 18x14; FR 22x15) – huge for c.1700’s home!! $1,350,000

THE SUNFLOWER HOUSE, CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

STONE HEDGES FARM, BIRCHRUN HUNT

GREENMORE FARM, CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

Spacious 7900+sf, 5BR, 4.1BA well maintained home on 24 acres with 8 stall Barn, large ring & several pastures in Unionville Schools! Convenient location & FANTASTIC PRICE! $1,250,000

GRAYFIELDS FARM, WEST GROVE

This farm has been totally rehabbed with new roof, windows, siding, Kitchen, Baths, heating, septic & on and on! Great 6 stall barn & several paddocks on 21.5 acs. Call Gus Brown at 610-633-7292 for details. $825,000

MUST SEE this stellar stone 4BR, 3.1BA home with Guest House & Office, stone Barn, lg ring & pastures. Super landscaping, conveniently located.

Call Holly 484-678- 0367 for details. $975,000

Magnificent 3BR residence over 6 stall stable w/ quality, high end features! Incl. a magnificent building site with phenomenal view! Unionville Schools!

Call Holly at 484-678-0367 for details. $874,900

RADNOR HUNT AT BRANDYWINE

BYRD ROAD, CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

Rarely does a 26.4 ac. parcel in such a highly desirable area come on the market! Cute 4 stall Barn with a 1200sf, 1BR, 1BA apt. upstairs. Plenty of room to build your dream home here!!

Unionville Schools! $725,000

MUST SEE this 4BR, 2.1BA w/ new Marvin windows, stunning newer Kitchen, soaring Great Room, newer luxurious BAs + 4 stall Barn. Boundless riding in great Cheshire location! $724,500

FROM THE PUBLISHER

WINTER 2015

It’s Your Magazine

I

ROBERT KORNACKI

t’s winter and hunting is in full swing. Our hounds are working, our horses are at peak fitness. Here at the Covertside editorial offices, we’re planning our 2016 editorial calendar. I am always grateful to have a career that allows me to brainstorm, to think creatively, to put a new spin on something or just to play with words and pictures. I love making magazines, but some days I need inspiration. And that’s where you come in. A few months ago, we did an informal

Facebook poll on what you’d like to see in the magazine. Participants came up with some great ideas, and those are reflected here: More on riding, more on watching and understanding the hounds at work.

Magazine content is always better when it includes the voices of its readers. Some of the most loved pieces we’ve run in the magazine have been cheeky, fun essays that appeared unbidden and were written from the heart. Personal experience pieces that describe a special relationship with a horse, or a hound, a particularly enthralling “aha”

4 | COVERTSIDE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER EMILY ESTERSON publisher@covertside.net 505-553-2671

moment out hunting, even the vagaries of aging and its effect on how we experience the sport are all ripe fodder for essays. Similarly, your “Hey, check out this photo I took” emails are often the highlight of my day.

Some are stunning, some are funny, some capture a moment just right. We keep them in folders and periodically scroll through them looking for a photo of the month for ecovertside.net, a caption contest, Last Run of the Day, or even our cover.

What’s my point? Keep sending us stuff. We have a set of formal Contributors’ Guidelines that detail the nuts and bolts of how to write for Covertside and the technological specifications for photographs.

If you’d like to contribute, drop us a note and we’ll send those to you. Or, just get inspired and put virtual pen to paper. We promise to read it.

In this issue, we tapped the venerable Jake Carle for his take on hound breeding through the decades. His downhome style and encyclopedic knowledge will surely fascinate the bloodline enthusiasts among you. It’s hard to watch the hounds at work if you’re worried about the next check and whether you’ll be able stop. So we asked a couple of experts to weigh in on “Whoa.”

As always in winter, we present you with the top fun things we’d like to receive as gifts during the holidays.

Send those contributions (and comments, letters, thoughts, suggestions) to editor@covertside.net.

Kick on!

Emily Esterson Editor-in-Chief/Publisher

ART DIRECTOR GLENNA STOCKS production@covertside.net

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR SANDRA MCGINNIS sandy@covertside.net

CONTRIBUTING

WRITERS

JAKE CARLE JO MESZOLY GLENYE CAIN OAKFORD MICHAEL STERN

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING SALES MANAGER CHERYL MICROUTSICOS sales@covertside.net 434-664-7057 PENNSYLVANIA/MID-ATLANTIC KATHY DRESS kdress@ptd.net NORTHEAST SPENCER MOORE spencer@covertside.net EVENTS HOPE LYNNE GRAVES events@covertside.net Covertside is the official publication of the Masters of Foxhounds Association Published by E-Squared Editorial Services LLC 2329 Lakeview Rd. SW Albuquerque, NM 87105 Telephone: 505-553-2671 Web Address: www.ecovertside.net www.mfha.com

Aiken, South Carolina Whispering Pines . Horse farm has

Kellsboro House . Beautifully restored Georgian residence

built in 1927 encompasses 8,500 square feet. Eight stall stable has apartment above and carriage house has apartment with 3 stalls. Live oaks and magnolias grace sweeping lawns and paddocks on over 7 acres in historic Horse District. Access by dirt roads to race tracks, polo fields and Hitchcock Woods, 2,100 acre riding reserve. Call Courtney Conger $3, 500,000

Full View Farm . 13-acre farm close to town has 4 pastures, 4 paddocks & jump field. 7-stall stable has wash rack, 2 tack rooms and full bath. Custom home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, master suite on main floor, family room with fireplace, screened porch. Call Randy Wolcott $559,500

over 41 acres including fenced arena, 25 acres of fenced pastures, 10-stall barn with full apartment, tack room and laundry. Custom home has 2 spacious master suites, gourmet chef’s kitchen, 4 bedrooms total, 4 full baths, 2 family rooms (one on each floor), featuring oak flooring and ceramic tile throughout. Call Jack Roth $869,000

Hill Top Farm . Finely crafted farm house and barn

on over 28 acres of rolling hay fields and pastures. Nearly new, the home features high ceilings and polished wood floors. There is a 4-stall stable with 2 attached run-in sheds, tack room/office, feed room and wash area. Farm includes 3,200 square foot tractor barn, hay shed, new saltwater pool and gazebo. Call Courtney Conger $975,000

Maysfield Plantation . Gracious Georgian home encompasses more than 7,000 square feet, and features wood floors, high ceilings and extensive millwork. Expansive Southern plantation includes pool, renovated overseer’s house, garage, board-fenced pastures and stable on over 147 acres near historic Edgefield. Call Courtney Conger or Randy Wolcott $1,900,000

Dahlwood Farm .

offers heart pine floors, great room with dramatic stone fireplace, master wing with 2 full baths and 3 walk-in closets, chef’s kitchen, 3 guest bedrooms each with full bath. Includes 3-stall run-in shed, riding ring, workshop and board fenced pastures on over 25 acres in Aiken’s equestrian corridor. Call Courtney Conger $1,100,000

at this historic estate in Aiken’s midtown. Dutch Colonial main residence has 7 bedrooms, 7 full baths and 2 half baths, with high ceilings and gorgeous moldings. Includes charming 2 bedroom/2 story guest house, in ground pool and play house on 2 acres of gardens. Call Tom Bossard $895,000

Cedar Meadows Equestrian .

Better than new! Exquisite, Southern Low Country 3 BR, 2.5 bath home features lovely millwork, many built-ins, wood and tile floors, bright & airy gourmet kitchen and screened porch overlooking pond and sweeping lawn with extensive professional landscaping. Gorgeous master suite down, 2 large, private bedrooms upstairs each with en suite bathroom. Trellis breezeway to detached garage with cozy studio & full bath for guests, groom, office or flex space. Call Mike Hosang $598,500

Historic home was relocated, spectacularly renovated and expanded to encompass over 3,300 square feet of luxe living space. The 68-acre farm includes custom 24-stall barn, 2 guest cottages, equipment barn and established board-fenced pastures. Call Tom Bossard $1,750,000

Sparkleberry Farm . Custom Sand Hills

Flutterby Farm . Spectacular Sand Hills cottage

Green Plains . Host a splendid hunt breakfast

cottage with stables center this 17.65 acre farm in Aiken’s south side horse country. Historic design throughout this modern 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with attached 2-car garage. Includes landscaped grounds, fenced fields and arena, perennial garden, 2-stall stable and 4-bay equipment shed. Call Randy Wolcott or Tom Bossard $490,000

New Bridge Polo . Well designed 9-stall center aisle barn with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths on 10 acres in New Bridge Polo & Country Club. Residence has upper level master suite, kitchen/dining area, open living room, large deck with gas grill. Call Randy Wolcott $599,000

Shellhouse Lake Farm .

Sportsman's retreat and more located less than 10 miles from downtown Aiken! Sparkling 15 acre lake centers approximately 83 acres mostly cleared and grassed with frontage on Shaw's Creek and Highway 302, in the heart of Aiken’s equestrian corridor. Brick 2 bedroom country cabin with porch overlooks lake and outdoor grilling area. Call Mike Hosang $948,000

www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com . 803.648.8660

MFHA NEWS

 THE MFHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

enjoyed a stunning October weekend in Hunt Valley, Maryland, for its quarterly meeting. Host Green Spring Valley couldn’t have been more gracious, touring board members through their new kennels.

Afterward, the group gathered for drinks and dinner at Master Sheila Brown’s lovely home. Saturday morning, many ALL PHOTOS BY TAMMIE J. MONACO

board members saw the hunt ride off, and car-followed. Several members borrowed horses, with Terry Hook, of Green Mountain Hounds and New England District Director, and Terry Paine of Santa Fe West Hills Hunt and Pacific District Director, joining the fun.

Those car-following enjoyed perfect autumn weather and the sound of hound music in the woods almost immediately after they were cast. Ground guests viewed the quarry as he shot out of a cornfield on Master Duck Martin’s property, with the hounds hot on the line. An exciting morning, perfect weather, and a visit to the open house at the famous racing stable, Sagamore Farm, capped a productive and fun weekend of camaraderie and great hunting (with some business thrown in for good measure).

Green Spring Valley hounds on a line at Duck Martin’s farm in Maryland set the tone of the day, with great sport during early autumn hunting. The morning was no less spectacular for car followers Tony Leahy, Daphne Wood and John Dorrier (right-left, inset), MFHA board members, who watched the action unfold. MFHA board members and Green Spring Valley Masters gather for the meet (left to right): Laura Sloan, Terry Paine, John Dorrier, Terry Hook, Jack van Nagell, Sheila Brown, Daphne Wood, Whit Foster and Duck Martin.

6 | COVERTSIDE

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MFHA NEWS

of MFHA are encouraged to come

discuss retired hounds strategies,

4 DURING THE BOARD MEETING,

4 SEVERAL UPDATED

to New York for the festivities,

fundraising, attracting new mem-

the following were elected to

PUBLICATIONS are now avail-

beginning Thursday evening with

bers, public relations, and other

membership:

able from the MFHA office. Part

the Masters’ Dinner, the Annual

topics in the Master’s Focused

of a year-long project to update

Meeting, and Friday evening’s not-

Roundtable on Sunday.

Dominic Cammarata, Norfolk

and modernize MFHA publica-

to-be-missed Masters’ Ball at The

Hunt (NE); John Curtis,

tions, the newly revised “Kennel

Pierre Hotel. For a full schedule of

Beaver Meadow Foxhounds

Notebook,” by Dr. George Seier,

events see page 39.

(CA); Renee Daniels-Mantle,

and “Guide to Establishing a Fox-

Blue Sky Hounds (RM); Christa

hunting Camp,” and the “Public

Kemp, Green Mountain Hounds

Relations Guidebook” will be

4 THE BIENNIAL STAFF SEMINAR

edges children under age 18 who

(NE); Crystal Brumme Kimball,

available in December from the

returns to the Westfields Mar-

participate in foxhunts but may not

Howard County-Iron Bridge

MFHA store.

riott in Chantilly, Virginia in 2016.

be members of the United States

Hounds (MD); Cynthia Hoogland

Scheduled for April 22-24, this

Pony Clubs. It is given each year to

Nance, Amwell Valley Hounds

year’s seminar will feature a

a youth who hunts five times that

4 MORE THAN 215 young people

received their Fairly Hunted awards this year. The award acknowl-

(NY/NJ); Beth A Opitz, Thornton

4 ATTENDEES AT THIS YEAR’S

cocktail evening and presentation

season and is so acknowledged by

Hill Fort Valley Hounds (N.VA);

Annual Meeting in New York City

of the Ian Milne award, hosted by

a Master. No examination is given

Erwin Opitz, Thornton Hill Fort

are in for a special treat: Olympic

Betsee Parker at Huntland. Addi-

and no requisite skills are required.

Valley Hounds (N.VA); Susan

eventing gold medalist Capt. Mark

tional seminar highlights include

Children who qualify may receive

Rasmussen, Eglinton and Caledon

Phillips will talk about the relation-

keynote speaker Jimmy Wofford

the award each year. Recipients

Hunt (CA); Patsy Ryan, Full Cry

ship between eventing and fox-

and educational topics such as

receive a commemorative pin,

Hounds (S); Rob Scranton,

hunting during his keynote speech

“Hunting Across America,” “The

certificate and a one-year MFHA

Howard County-Iron Bridge

on Friday, January 29, at the Union

Hunt Horse,” and “A Year in the

subscribing membership, which in-

Hounds (MD).

Club in New York City. Members

Life of a Foxhound.” Panelists will

cludes a subscription to Covertside.

8 | COVERTSIDE

UK. They made the point that, 4 THE INTERNATIONAL UNION

although there is more general

OF HUNTING WITH HOUNDS

public support for foxhunting than

(IUHH), formed in 2008, meets

ever, it is a subject that most Brit-

annually in one of eight mem-

ish politicians are reluctant to re-

ber countries to discuss areas of

open. There is huge support from

mutual interest, agree on best

all the other countries in IUHH, but

practices, and share knowledge of

despite all our best intentions, the

issues that could affect our horses

country that is generally regarded

or hounds. Ireland hosted IUHH this

as the cradle of modern foxhunt-

October. A synopsis of three areas

ing is one of the very few where

of particular interest follows:

unreasonable bias and animal

•THE PROGRESS BEING MADE by some members in establishing firm links in the public conscious-

rights influence continues to infringe on freedom.

•ALL COUNTRY representatives

ness between hunting with

talked about the inexorable en-

hounds and the preservation of

croachment on our hunting way of

healthy, biodiverse ecologies.

life by regulatory red tape. Always

Pierre de Boisguilbert, Secre-

sold to us as innocuous measures

tary General, Société de Vénerie in

to improve health and safety, in-

France, informed the meeting of

variably we find ourselves battling

the enormous progress that has

against them.

been made in the last year, not

In the aftermath of the injustice

only in raising the profile of the

and intolerance that brought

important role that hunting plays

about the ban on foxhunting in

in creating and preserving habitat,

the UK, it is unlikely that other

but also in drawing attention to

countries will resort to such legis-

how new motorways and urban

lation, but field sports, pet owners,

development are seriously damag-

farmers and the many other

ing that habitat, often inadvertent-

Animal Rights animal targets are

ly, because those who build them

still under seige. We must carefully

are unaware of the movements

watch for and oppose legislation

and migrations of various animals.

in which the devil is in the detail.

The Société de Vénerie intends

•THE IUHH MEMBERS were

to create a database of every

concerned about the seemingly

hunt, every hound and every

close relationship between some

meet, thus creating a greater

national horse organizations and

understanding of the cultural

HSUS both in the US and Europe. It

and historical importance of La

was agreed that the problem was

Chasse. Pierre’s presentation met

that those horse groups do not

with strong approval from the

understand the threat the HSUS

international body.

animal rights agenda presents to

•THE GROUP DISCUSSED the

Equestrian Style...

horse ownership as HSUS continues

difficulty in rolling back a total ban

to court them with misinformation

on hunting in England once it was

and hidden agendas.

enacted. It seems that strong sup-

On the positive side, Dr. Ivan

port is not enough — you need the

Bridge of the New Zealand dele-

winds of political good fortune to

gation has come to an agreement

blow your way, too.

to loan hounds from Kiwi har-

Lord Benjamin Mancroft, UK

rier packs to strengthen security

MFHA chairman, and Tim Easby,

checks in airports. It appears that

UK MFHA director, gave excellent

hunting dogs have the scent-

accounts of the political difficul-

ing ability and the extra drive to

ties in their efforts to overturn

diligently seek out drug smugglers

the 2004 ban on hunting in the

and traffickers.—DF

from subway to saddle.

Ariat WINTER 2015 | 9

MFHA NEWS

take a racehorse from the track Makeover Field Hunter division

and make it a foxhunter. Having

winner Emily Daignault-Salvaggio

owned and ridden many horses

on the stunning Gin Joint show

off the track (some were my best

perfect form.

hunters), I can attest that this is no easy accomplishment.

All the horses in the competition were remarkable considering the time and the challenge. The most notable trait was the calmness these ex-racehorses exhibited, despite their reputation to the contrary. This competition proved that, given time and the correct training, a good Thoroughbred CAN do about anything. None of these horses had hunted much.

Watching them bunched in a field, jumping various obstacles, navigating drops and water, was DAVID TRAXLER

inspiring. However, the demanding course took its toll as the winners became apparent.

The top three horses of

Win or Lose, Makeover Participants Score Big

the Field Hunter division then competed against each other in a separate event. That event determined the rankings and the

Horse Park on October 23-25.

sistance of Lilla Mason, MFH, and

To be eligible the horses must

Huntsman Maggie Wright from

have been un-started in a second

the Iroquois Hunt. Mason and her

2005 chestnut gelding, “Storm

OXHUNTERS ARE

career at the beginning of 2015

hounds and Iroquois Field Master

Boot Larry.” He had 75 starts and

AMONG THE LEADERS

(January 1) and raced or trained

Karen Hughes conducted a mock

won over $125,000 in his racing

in giving ex-racehorses

to race prior to that. The horses

hunt with hounds as the cross-

career. For the competition, he

useful second ca-

came from 44 United States,

country test. Then, there were

was trained and ridden by Cody

 BY DENNIS J. FOSTER

F

winner of the $5000 first prize.

Third place was a 16.1-hand

reers. Arguably, foxhunters give

Canada, and

individual tests

Burton from Kentucky, who has

more unwanted horses second

England.

that were fox-

hunted with Long Run and Wood-

hunting specific

ford. When Storm Boot was saved

— jumping vari-

from slaughter by a rescue he

ous obstacles,

was skin and bone, with a matted

gates, dropping

coat and a horrible skin problem.

rails, etc. — all

Burton bought him in March 2015,

judged by Dene-

still in not great condition, and

careers than any other eques-

Riders and

“ALL THE COMPETITORS PUT THESE EXRACEHORSES THROUGH MANEUVERS MOST OF US ONLY DREAM ABOUT.”

trian discipline. In the foxhunting

horses competed

world, we most frequently see

in ten different

Thoroughbreds, many of them

disciplines. The

ex-racehorses, as well as many

Field Hunter

Thoroughbred crosses. Histori-

division was

cally, the Thoroughbred has been,

sponsored by

gre, Blue and

she had less than seven months

and is, the horse of choice for

the Masters of

Terrel Paine, MFH

to rehabilitate and train him. She

foxhunters worldwide.

Foxhounds Association (MFHA).

and huntsman, Santa Fe West Hills

took him on trail rides and hound

Field hunters have participated in

Hunt in California. “Penny and her

walks. She could tell right away he

foxhunter and past speaker at

three past makeovers, but this is

team did an outstanding job of

wanted to please and had a won-

the MFHA Staff Seminar, Steuart

the first time they had a dedicated

creating a competition appropri-

derful disposition. As an aside, a

Pittman, president of the Retired

competition. Mrs. Penny Denegre,

ate for green horses just starting

week before the competition she

Racehorse Project, conceptual-

MFH, Middleburg Hunt (who also

off in the sport,” says Pittman.

called Penny Denegre and asked

ized and organized the event.

organized and lead the MFHA

Event rider, horse trainer,

About 180 horses competed

The field hunter competitors

if she could go around jumps, to

Centennial field horse competi-

came from across the United

which Penny responded, “Yes,

at the Thoroughbred Makeover

tions), and Jeff Blue, Joint Master,

States and Canada. Competi-

but you will be marked down for

held in Lexington at the Kentucky

organized the event with the as-

tors had less than 10 months to

it.” The day of the competition he

10 | COVERTSIDE

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farmandestate.net

WINTER 2015 | 11

MFHA NEWS

jumped everything and completed

Coltsville, Pennsylvania, hunts

everything that was asked of him.

with Andrews Bridge Foxhounds.

Second place was 16.1-hand

She bought him in March 2015.

“Gin is a super-minded horse,

Devil.” He had 21 starts, won 3

he never gets excited,” Emily

and was considered a sprinter.

says. “You can almost feel him

Huntsman Katherine Gunter of

downloading what’s happening

the Aiken Hounds bought him

around him when he gets into a

in February 2015. She found him

new situation and once he’s got

easy to train, not spooky, a good

it, he’s got it.”

jumper and he loved dogs — a

Emily and Gin competed in

lucky find for a huntsman. After

the final competition against the

six training rides, she took him

other disciplines for an addition-

foxhunting with another hunt

al $10,000 prize money.

and he was a star. She began

DAVID TRAXLER

2010 bay gelding, “Alluring

America’s Most Wanted

hunting hounds off him and he

Thoroughbred turned out to

took to it like a duck to water.

Second place team Katherine Gunter, who is Aiken huntsman, and Alluring Devil (Diablo) greet MFHA President Jack van Nagell at the Field Hunter division of the Thoroughbred Makeover.

be a 2007 Canadian-bred mare

only dream about. In the final,

First place was the 17-hand

named Soar, trained and ridden

each of the competitors talked

tion of the Thoroughbred — its

2009 gray gelding, “Gin Joint.”

by Lindsay Partridge, who com-

about why their horse should be

versatility, its brilliance, and its

He had 44 starts and won

peted in competitive trail and

the winner and become “Amer-

athleticism. Start now looking for

around $70,000. He started

freestyle divisions. To say the

ica’s Most Wanted Thorough-

next year’s Thoroughbred Make-

racing as a two-year-old in

horse was phenomenal would be

bred.” In her turn, Emily stated

over entry and next foxhunting

Canada at the Woodbine races.

an understatement. All the com-

that she had already won — Gin

partner. Win or lose, it will be

In 2011, he broke his maiden.

petitors put these ex-racehorses

is her dream horse of a lifetime,

a satisfying project to find and

Emily Daignault-Salvaggio from

through maneuvers most of us

and would never be for sale.

train that ex-racehorse.

12 | COVERTSIDE

The event was a true celebra-

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To join, make check payable to the MFHA and mail to: Masters of Foxhounds Association of America, PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646.

To pay by credit card, call 540-955-5680.

Call (540) 955-5680 or visit www.mfha.com to join today!

SUMMER 2015 • $5.00

Your valuable support of the MFHA and its foundations helps to promote and preserve foxhunting and countryside values.

YOUNG ENTRY

Beautifully turned out, Pony Club exchange participants from Ireland and England hunted with Iroquois, Woodford, and Camargo hunts, enjoyed hunt breakfasts, camaraderie

DAVID TRAXLER

DAVID TRAXLER

and tourist activities.

From the UK to Kentucky

The USPC International Foxhunting Exchange comes to the U.S.

BY CARLA BABCOCK, CAMARGO HUNT

14 | COVERTSIDE

and Washington arrived in late October. They met for the first time and quickly became friends, connecting through a bond we all share — our love for horses, the countryside, and foxhunting.

They hit the ground running with an itinerary that included three days of foxhunting at Camargo, Iroquois and Woodford, an afternoon with the Clear

them at the US Pony Club office at the Horse Park in Lexington, they were bubbling over with comments about their week, and offered to share their impressions: Megan (England), Charlotte (Scotland), Rosie (the Pytchley, England) and Lucy (Wales), members of the UK Team, felt truly spoiled with all of the

Creek Beagle pack, breakfasts and teas, chili suppers and s’mores by the campfire, tours of the finest stud farms in Lexington, and a visit to the National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park.

In my last meeting with

dinners, tailgates and breakfasts.

The horses were so fantastic they wanted to take them home.

American foxhunting is much bigger and bolder than they expected, and they thoroughly enjoyed the open country and running with the hounds of Ca-

CARLA BABCOCK

T

hey were enthusiastic and engaging, impeccably turned out and talented young people who displayed fine etiquette not just in the hunt field, but in every activity planned by the organizers for United States Pony Club’s International Foxhunting Exchange.

Organized each year by the USPC, the exchange gives senior level pony club members with foxhunting experience an outstanding opportunity to ride outside of their regular hunt. To qualify they have to be foxhunters 16 and over who are currently hunting first field and have been recommended by their club leader. The exchange rotates from the UK to the US. This year the exchange took place in Kentucky and Ohio.

Twelve pony club kids and three chaperones from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Michigan, California, Montana

margo, Iroquois and Woodford.

Kevin, Lucy, Caoimhe and Jennifer, members of the Irish team, were so impressed with the size of our “boxes” (trailers), the beautiful clubhouses, “overwhelming” hospitality and the new experience of tailgates. They saw a coyote for the first time and it was thrilling!

Kevin added, “It was the best experience of pony club ever. I feel as if I made friends forever.”

The US Team, which included Jessie (California), Katherine and Cecilia (Washington), and Katie (Montana), enjoyed the variety of landscapes that were new to them. They were amazed by the Kentucky horse culture.

For Cecilia, who is a member of a drag hunt, this was her first time on a live foxhunt … “The first time I heard the hounds giving voice, it was quite an adrenaline rush. I had no idea what to expect! The run was incredible and I felt like a part of foxhunting history!

What will be your legacy?

This holiday season, consider giving something more.

Leave a Legacy Gift and have a lasting impact on the future of foxhunting.

By including the MFHA Foundation in your will, trust or beneficiary designation, you can pass on your love of foxhunting and conservation to future generations.

I have included the MFHA Foundation in my will, trust, or by beneficiary designation.

Please send me information about ways to leave a legacy.

Name: Address:

Phone: Email:

I would like to speak to someone about making a gift. Please call me.

Mail to: MFHA Foundation, Attn: Legacy Program PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646

MFHA Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Our federal tax ID number is 54-1999844

The Keswick

CRAPSHOOT

2

NO MATTER HOW CAREFULLY YOU CHOOSE, BREEDING GREAT HUNTERS IS AS MUCH LUCK AS SCIENCE.

BY JOHN J. “JAKE” CARLE

D

ON’T LET ANYONE TRY TO TELL YOU that breeding a pack of hounds isn’t, in many ways, a crapshoot!

I’ve been there and learned it the hard way. “Breed your best to the best and pray for the best” is still a legitimate gem of advice, but only with a sharp eye on the studbook. Studying hound pedigrees is not only a fascinating pastime, it is the only way to be sure of maintaining the best hunting bloodlines in the kennel, and it can prevent you from breeding too closely. The oft-quoted rule of never breeding closer than the fourth generation is a sound one; however, in a shrinking gene pool, it is not always possible to follow. And that’s where out-crosses come into the picture.

From the time Roberts Coles included me in the Keswick Mastership in 1964, he let me have 16 | COVERTSIDE

a say in the breeding — though often, and rightly so, he paid me little heed! In 1966, Coles very generously gave me my pick of half the pack, but not all of them worked out, and some went back to the Coles’ home at Cloverfields, where he hunted them on Keswick’s off days and at night.

FORM VS. FUNCTION

One of the hounds Coles left me was a small, tan dog we named Keswick ’65 (KHC King ’60 x KHC Rita) who was born in a hollow Kentucky locust on the Cloverfields lawn during a monsoon. Most of the litter drowned before they were found, but Keswick was determined to live. He was crooked-legged, with pancake feet, sickle hocks, and a long, swayed back. But he never took a lame step, and had stamina to burn. Best of all, he had more fox-sense than any hound I’ve ever known; and his superior nose and very distinctive yodeling

1

voice made him a natural pack leader. Keswick ’65 was one of my foundation sires, who always produced superior hunters.

Early days, we were woefully short of hounds, and I had to turn to drafts. I struck gold at Deep Run, however, when they hired Englishman Gordon Erricker. He demanded (and got) an all-English pack, then drafted their remnant American

hounds to Keswick. Among them were a couple of Brandywine-bred sisters, Darling ’66 and Daylight ’67 (BH Drummer ’62 x their Frantic ’63), who traced back to old-line Virginia Bywaters blood from Essex, where legendary Virginian Buster Chadwell was huntsman.

These bitches became the bedrock of the Keswick breeding program. Small and keen, with

4 3

1. Hounds, led by Whitey ’69, just marked their fox to ground with Jake Carle (ctr) and whips Barclay Reves (l) and Sandy Reves (r). 2. Orbit ’01, Reserve at Mid-American 2003 shown by Hugh Motley, MFH. 3. Deep Run Primrose is by KHC Predator ’94 4. Keswick Orderly ’01, champion foxhound at Maryland Puppy Show, 2001, shown by whipper-in Lorna Walsh 5. Barrister ’97 6. Olio ’01 by Prankster ’94 7. KHC Onyx by ’98 Piedmont Woodsman ’89

5

7

6

WINTER 2015 | 17

sessed very good noses and fine, distinctive voices. They strengthened the bitch bedrock greatly.

Peanut ’69, when bred to Keswick ’65, produced the single best hound I ever hunted, the bitch Posy ’74. She had it all: nose, drive, cry, stamina and biddability and a huge dose of that ethereal element, fox-sense.

Also, she was the epitome of what the country boys call “a den dawg.” Her efforts inspired a pack that became superior in their exuberance for marking an earth. She was almost too good, and the pack Studying hound pedigrees is not became so only a fascinating pastime, it is the reliant upon her many only way to be sure of maintaining talents that, the best hunting bloodlines in the at her death, it fell apart kennel, and it can prevent you from somewhat.

And very breeding too closely. sadly, she was a failure as a brood bitch. gray foxes, they were keen as Whitey ’69, when crossed on mustard. An impending divorce Coles-bred Henry ’64, produced put Mr. Rhodes in a financial among other good bitches Wishbind, and I bought all the Goodmans. They were extremely ful and Waitress ’72, who started biddable and easy to pack-break, the exceptionally strong “W” line, still alive and thriving today and in a short time hunted red at Keswick. In 1974, a major foxes with the same diligence part of a strong entry was a litter they invested in grays. However, out of Whitey ’69 by Keswick I had no pedigrees save one ’65. Raised at The Covert, my generation and word-of-mouth; farm in Cismont, Virginia, they Mr. Morris had been meticulous ran loose a lot of the time, cutin his recordkeeping, but since ting their teeth on the plethora Ronnie wasn’t particularly interof rabbits in those blessed days ested, he kept his paperwork for nostalgia’s sake. Papers or not, all of little traffic on Route 22. All of these hounds contributed; but of them hunted like demons — albeit often hardheadedly — and little sisters Peanut and Whitey Woodsman ’74 became a very excelled. Never bad on riot, they useful sire. were diligent in their work, posexceptional noses, they were all business from the get-go: no riot ever tempted them. And both were prolific and successful brood bitches.

Then, in 1971, I lucked into two more wonderful bitches from an unexpected source.

When failing health ended his hunting, a night hunter named Vincent Morris who lived in nearby Eheart, Virginia, sold to my then-whipper-in, Ronnie Rhodes, his entire pack of carefully bred Goodman hounds.

Mostly white and weaned on

18 | COVERTSIDE

Meanwhile, the Brandywine “D” sisters were producing their share of good hounds. Bred to Freedom ’67, Daylight ’67 raised two superstar sisters, Domino and Destiny ’74, while Darling ’66 produced, among others of note, Potomac’s Keswick Dragon ’70 by Farmington Lightfoot ’64. His blood remains strong ‘cross the river.

In 1974, after Albert Poe had left Piedmont, Mrs. Theo Randolph, MFH, offered me a draft of unentered hounds, available because former whipper-in Charlie Kirk preferred to deal with only entered hounds in his first horn-carrying year. I only got three bitches ­— not pretty, but boy, could they hunt! Rachael and Ruby ’74 (Piedmont Judge ’69, whose parents were half siblings, x Piedmont Roman ’68 -- Render’s littermate); and cross-eyed, slightly eccentric Roxy ’74 (Piedmont Whistler ’65 — the crossbred “W” line — x Piedmont Robin ’71) held my pack together by their sheer brilliance. Unfortunately, their sparse get were rather mediocre.

Another excellent Piedmontbred hound came my way by happenstance when Bobby Ashcom, ex-Master at Bradbury (Mass.) and later at Tryon, appeared at my door one night with Weasel (KHC entered in ’75). When Bobby’s young children lost their old dog, Albert Poe had given them as a house pet the puppy Weasel (Piedmont Rolic ’69 x their Wacky ’72). But Weasel was anything but cuddly, and soon became angrily opposed to being dressed in baby clothes. He had

to go. He was a natural hunter — again, fox-sense and nose — a fox-finder and earth-marker of great talent. He was tall and raw-boned, ugly as a homemade sin, with bad feet and legs as crooked as bent nails; but he was rarely lame, and hunted well into his geriatric years. He sired some very useful litters (including the best-looking hound I ever bred) — all of whose conformation was improved by their dams — and his blood runs strongly today.

By the mid-seventies, the pack had a solid core from which to breed. Hounds with Albert Poe’s wonderful Piedmont blood (“the Piedmont Poes,” ex-Norfolk Master Kerry Glass calls them) proved more biddable and easier to steady to riot, as well as being the best of workers, and I went continually to those lines, principally the “R” and “W.” I had the “C” line briefly but lost it. Some of my best blood came from Warren Harrover’s superb Bull Run pack. Warren — also an Albert Poe and Bill Brainard disciple — was a hound-breeding genius and crack huntsman. Hounds he bred improved every pack that used them. His passing left a hole in the foxhunting world that has never been — nor will ever be — filled. Middleburg, too, was a gold mine of Piedmont-Poe blood, especially of the “R” line, my favorite, and I went there instead of Piedmont, because I was never sure of the accuracy of the breeding after Albert left.

At age ten, Piedmont Render ’68 sired an exceptional hunting

litter out of Waitress ’73, including show-starting doghounds Waterboy and Warlock, and odd-looking little bitch Wombat ’79. Warlock was a bit slow of foot and, late in life, went to Elias “Toady” Guy’s Princess Anne pack, where Toady said he “really taught my youngsters to run a gray!” Waterboy had an unbelievable nose, and his voice was a yodel to put country music star Elton Britt to shame. He had it all, except for his apparent sexual proclivity: he would never breed a bitch. Wombat’s nose, too, was phenomenal.

Although she was excellent in her work, we could never get her in whelp.

1

THE 1970S

The “D” line remained strong, again thanks to Render, who sired Daisy ’76 out of Destiny ’71, and Darkness ’79 out of Domino ’71. Daisy was the bestlooking hound in the kennel at that time, but no match for her half-sister, show-stopper Bull Run Dandy ’76 (one of my all-time show ring favorites).

I firmly believe that certain ground favors certain hounds’ noses — and the key word here is ... NOSE. By the eighties, Keswick badly needed an outcross, and I lucked upon the perfect one at Rose Tree. Recently revived near York, Pennsylvania, by Sue and Jim Green with a draft from Keswick, the oldest continuous pack in the United States had now at its helm the inimitable hound man and huntsman, Joseph T. “Jody” Murtagh, whose hunting pedigree dates

2

1. KHC Wilder ’01 (by Predator ’94) at Maryland Puppy Show 2001 2. Warcry ’98 3. Rowdy ’98 winning at Virginia 2002

3

WINTER 2015 | 19

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to the year zero. His private Penn-Marydel pack had become the Rose Tree. I invited Jody to bring his pack for a joint meet featuring both packs. What a fortuitous event it proved, and what a sterling hunt it provided as well! Our packs melded like littermates, their voices joining in a halleluiah chorus all day; and the local foxes got a thorough exercising. And best of all, I found in his pack a stallion hound, Murtagh’s Boxer ’86 (Murtagh’s Woopy ’70 x Murtagh’s Bugle ’80), whose work all day had been brilliant.

Bred to a daughter of Bull Run Dawson ’81, Keswick Drizzle ’86, Boxer sired a line whose hybrid vigor energizes the pack today. Two doghounds, Boxer and Brawler ’92, began it all.

Boxer was the sharper, but succumbed to bone cancer before I could use him. Brawler proved a dominant sire. His son Barrister ’97 (out of Piedmont’s 1/2 PMD bitch Golden ’88) was one of the best hounds I ever bred, to which present Huntsman Tony Gammell will attest.

THE 1980S

1-800-881-9781 stoltzfusbuilders.com 20 | COVERTSIDE

In the early 80s, Piedmont Master/Huntsman Randy Waterman drafted an unentered dog who became Farmington Piedmont ’86, the most influential sire in Farmington’s kennel. With lines back to both Rolling Rock Toby ’74 — a very popular, showwinning sire — and Piedmont Render ’68, Piedmont ’86 sired excellent hunters with sound minds and lovely dispositions.

At Keswick, he was responsible for the excellent “P” line of

bitches out of Ocelot ’84 that included the brilliant Picket ’89 as well as her worthless-butstunning sister, Phoebe, who later hung quite a few show ribbons in the Princess Anne kennel. In 1993, Picket ’89 bred to Dolphin ’86 (Bull Run Dawson ’81 x KHC Derringer ’83) whelped what was undoubtedly my best litter ever. Among them were two of the best doghounds I ever bred, Predator and Prankster ’94 — both of whom produced useful get, but neither was to reach his full potential as a sire. After my retirement, Prankster was put down under mysterious circumstances, and Predator was later accidentally drafted. With the exception of Profile, who lacked interest, and President, who could hunt brilliantly but would rather admire his image in mud puddles, this large litter all hunted the best.

Farmington Piedmont also sired Partner ’92 out of Derringer ’83, who, in turn, sired Orderly and Orbit ’01 out of Ornament ’96 (Dawson ’96 x Olivia ’91), with whom new Huntsman Tony Gammell had such show ring luck in his first full year.

THE 1990S

Predator’s son, Rowdy ’98, bred at Middleburg out of their Reba ’92, came unentered to Keswick because Huntsman Troy Taylor couldn’t tell him apart from his identical twin they named Omar. In five generations Rowdy had six crosses back to the Piedmont “R” line. He was a demon in his work, a good sire, and a loveable character. I watched him many a time lead

the pack across impossible foil and unravel the most tangled of bothers. For Tony Gammell he won both the Entered and the Stallion Hound classes at the Virginia Hound Show in 2001.

Another dog I used toward career’s end was Jack Eiher’s Piedmont Woodsman ’89, brother to the esteemed Watchman. Woodsman bred some nice bitches, but his doghounds didn’t make it for me — except one. Troy Taylor used him on Middleburg Rap ’94, then drafted two mostly black brothers to me, saying they were so ugly that he was sick of looking at them. However, there was another, more urgent reason: both were terrible fighters. Walcott ’98 was a vicious brute, gone early. An elasticator put an end to brother Warcry’s pugilistic aspirations, and he hunted brilliantly and up front for twelve seasons for me and, later, Tony Gammell. Freed of a hormonal overload, he developed a loveable personality. Glad my first wife never thought of that solution.

Reminiscing about the good hounds I’ve known and hunted, and the good times I’ve had, is a favorite pastime these days.

Yet, when I go through all the old pedigrees, I realize it truly was a crapshoot. For all the good individuals and good litters, there were so many more that didn’t quite measure up, or were totally worthless. As for breeding best to best, Posy to Weasel produced the most disappointing litter ever. Several times, after a breeding really nicked well the first time, I’d

try it again, only to have it flop.

I’ve never figured out why; but the answer must lie hidden in the pedigrees. And, because of hard-headedness and pure stupidity, I had one inherent bad strain plague me for years, because I insisted on trying to get good whelps from a favorite bitch who continuously passed on her roguish sire’s deerrunning proclivity (there was a good reason he went to a drag pack!) At least that line is gone.

I was more successful over the years breeding brilliant bitches than dogs, which was a good thing, since I believe the distaff side of the pedigree is the foundation of it all, and usually far more important. Which is not to say that there are not outstanding sires who can improve upon almost any bitch, hounds like Piedmont Render, Bull Run Dawson, Farmington Piedmont, Essex Federal and Tackle. To their sort, I wanted to breed my very best bitches or, at least, bitches from my best lines. And most of the time it worked.

But, to be truthful, in breeding hounds I was like a Wright Brothers wannabe-pilot: flying by the seat of my britches!

Good advice, when I listened to it, was responsible for the good litters I bred. My mistakes were largely my own. The words of Bobby Coles, Albert Poe, Bill Brainard, Warren Harrover, and Jody Murtagh always rang true.

What success I enjoyed in my career I owe to them.

Jake Carle is also a past recipient of The Julian M. Marshall Award, and a former MFH and professional huntsman.

WINTER 2015 | 21

SPENCER MOORE

THIS REMARKABLE ARGENTINE MARE FINDS SUCCESS AS BOTH A POLO PONY AND A FOXHUNTING STEED.

BY RHYS MOORE

MAROCHA: 22 | COVERTSIDE

OCTOBER 2007.

There she stood on a crisp pre-dawn October morning in North Salem, New York — a perfectly proud polo pony, in a field of hunters attired in black and scarlet, surrounded by hounds anxious to be cast. In the tack was an equally anxious, excited and determined five-year-old girl. The pony had one of those deeply resigned expressions, as if wondering, “Where did it all go wrong? Where are the manicured fields, the mallets and the clean white balls, the warm weather?” In the next moment the horn sounded and the hounds cast. So began a wonderful relationship between a little girl and a remarkable polo pony and their adventures together in foxhunting.

THIS IS NOT A STORY OF AN AGING POLO PONY LOOKING FOR A SECOND LIFE. Marocha, an 11-year-old black Argentine mare, plays competitive eightto 12-goal polo in New York all summer. Rather, this is a story of an opportunistic pairing of horse and rider that fostered a love of foxhunting in the rider and demonstrated the versatility, confidence and surety of a typical polo pony.

My daughter, Elizabeth “LuLu” Moore, like so many young girls, loves horses. She insisted on seeing our hunt — The Golden’s Bridge Hounds — off on most Saturday mornings.

Each week she told me she was ready to hunt with me despite being only five — “almost six” — and riding for just more than a year. But her love for horses was intense and her presence at our meet persistent and it finally happened that one day, our most senior

Master, Gene Colley, invited her to join us in the field (on lead line). It was a grand idea and a huge honor.

It was left to Master Bruce Colley to select a horse (no ponies, LuLu insisted) and he chose a beautiful black mare from his string of polo ponies, conveniently turned out for the winter at Windswept Farm.

Bruce chose well; he knew the temperament of this mare, her steady gait and sure-footedness, and her calm confidence. He assured me that this horse could not be shaken by anyone, including an excitable “almost six”-year-old. Whether by chance or experience he paired the two perfectly. I have not seen a horse and rider fall in love and care for one another as quickly or strongly as these two. From the moment they met, Marocha became “her horse” and LuLu became Marocha’s best friend.

Within two years, LuLu and Marocha started hunting more

LuLu Moore atop Marocha, next to her father, Rhys Moore, preparing to ride out with the Golden’s Bridge Hounds on a cold winter morning.

WINTER 2015 | 23

CUTTY MCGILL

from Chukkars to Coverts

Marocha in the thick of it on the polo field; RIGHT: Marocha and LuLu are all business during autumn hunting at Golden’s Bridge Hounds.

often with us, principally hilltopping or riding along with Master Colley, learning the ways of the hounds and the quarry, getting comfortable and understanding the protocol of the hunt field.

The lead line had been long lost and the freedom of the open fields embraced. Marocha, ever the patient steed, seemed to enjoy the diversion and appreciated the attention. As LuLu grew in her riding, Marocha followed.

LuLu was now working through her pony club ratings, riding harder, and jumping poles and small fences. In the hunt field they moved into second flight, taking the rugged trails, managing the smaller fences and riding hard for hours.

BEYOND FLAT GRASS

Our hunt fixtures are a combination of rugged open territory, narrow and steep trails, rocky pastures and swampy bottom territory. For a polo pony this is a far cry from the soft flat fields and 7½-minute chukkars. Marocha adapted well. She was so confident and strong on her feet that I never worried about my young rider. Marocha was so obedient and responsive that we never 24 | COVERTSIDE

worried about her behavior. She seemed a truly remarkable horse.

Each spring Marocha returns to polo up north. Each fall she returns home to face another level of challenges designed by an ever more confident rider. LuLu continued to work with Marocha, doing flat work, jumping various heights and combinations and generally doing all the things a young girl likes to do with her horse. She has put Marocha through many pony club events, hunter trials and paces.

When LuLu was eight years old, we won our first hunter pace together even after she tumbled off Marocha, thereby delaying our time just enough to win. She has truly improved and developed this polo pony’s ability to perform well in the hunt field.

Finally 10 years old and officially a junior member of GBH, LuLu was bored with second flight and wanted desperately to be up front with Master Bruce and Master Yolanda (Knowlton) and all the rest. Protected by coconspirators, LuLu would sneak up to the rear of first flight. Once discovered, she would have to reluctantly, and often tearfully, drop back to second flight with

me. Eventually her persistence and her competence were recognized and a proper invitation to hunt in first flight was presented.

As they enter their seventh season hunting together they show no less enthusiasm for the sport. Understanding why LuLu is so passionate about foxhunting is easy: the thrill of the chase and the demanding ride, the protocol and ceremony of the field, the traditions of our dress and colors, the history and honor of our hunt and the respect one pays to the land and to the prey — LuLu embraces it all.

However, she would add that it is her relationship with Marocha that most motivates her to foxhunt. Whatever the reason, she and that polo pony are out there every hunting Saturday from the crack of the first whip to the final call gathering hounds.

WHY POLO PONIES?

I do think Marocha is a remarkable horse because she protects and carries my daughter through the hunting day. I also think there are a lot of polo ponies that can, and will, perform equally as well in the hunt field, given the right training regimen and

the right rider. They may also be particularly suited to carrying young or inexperienced riders.

Polo ponies are naturally athletic and willing. They are typically muscular and narrow, making it easy for a younger rider to find a secure seat. They are used to riding along with and making contact with other horses. They have grown up with commotion and will not be distracted by the huntsman’s horn calling, the whip cracking or hounds speaking. Polo ponies are accustomed to start-stops, sprinting runs, and the quick demands of a rider — all good qualities in the hunt field. Most importantly, polo ponies respond smoothly and without pause to the shifting weight and unbalanced movement of their riders. This ability, while required on the polo field, is an extraordinary benefit to riders with less mileage in the hunt field. Marocha so naturally kept LuLu astride many more times than a traditional hunt horse might.

Of the many traits making polo ponies such a great choice as future foxhunters, there is one that may supersede all of the others. This is their

SPENCER MOORE -INSET: CUTTY MCGILL

capacity for affection. Let me explain my theory: After years of competitive play on the polo field, after many chukkars of aggressive competition under hard-charging players and season after season of mallets and balls bouncing off their hoofs and cannon bones, these ponies respond to the affection and attention of young riders.

Polo ponies are used to plenty of manhandling by grooms and players, so the soft brushing and sweet chatter of young riders must seem comforting to them. I watch Marocha run to the edge of the pasture to greet LuLu when she arrives.

I see her take the brush to her coat without resistance when I know the same action coming from me would be met with a nip. I witnessed similar affection for our young foxhunters from other polo ponies turned hunters. Gene and Bruce Colley are onto something special. Their initial intention was to provide steady mounts to our youngest Golden’s Bridge Hounds members so that they could all join us in the field. They have very successfully accomplished this as we have a solid crowd of junior riders growing into junior members. The Colleys have also inadvertently developed another life for retiring polo ponies.

TODAY

August 2015. LuLu is now 12 years old, “almost 13,” and hunting her horse again this season.

Marocha is “technically” (as LuLu phrases it) Bruce’s horse, as he owns her, still plays polo with her, and pays all the bills. Yet, everyone at GBH knows she is LuLu’s horse. No one else rides that horse without getting her okay. One day it was revealed that Master Gene Colley had ridden Marocha on a weekday hunt and everyone was worried that there would be hell to pay when LuLu found out. In her wise way, she respectfully allowed that Master Colley was the only one besides her who understood Marocha and so all was fine.

I would encourage the foxhunting community and the polo community to develop closer mutual ties that allow for a happy transition from sport to sport for these horses. Polo ponies can make great field hunters and wonderful companions. They develop bonds with our foxhunters and love the sport. They are easy to handle, respond to all types of riders, are athletic and agile, and affectionate. How could you ever find a better partner to trust with your little girl?

Oil Paintings of Animals, Nature & Equine Sports By

Beth Parcell Evans

Rhys Moore is LuLu’s father.

He hunts with Golden’s Bridge Hounds and runs a retail business consultancy near New York City.

SPENCER MOORE

“Vibrant Winter Coat” www.BethEvansFineArt.com evansequineart@rcn.com

Bruce Colley, who “technically owns” Marocha, with LuLu and Rhys Moore.

WINTER 2015 | 25

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COURTESY LUBRISYN

For Healthy Hounds What benefits your horse can also benefit your hounds.

BY STEVEN ALLDAY, DVM

A

s a large animal practitioner, I tend to have patients of the equine type; but my family and I have always had a deep passion for all animals, especially dogs.

Participating in foxhunting as I grew up, I was able to learn a fair amount about the foxhounds. The foxhound is a special breed that has very specific veterinary and nutritional needs because of the intense work these hounds perform. I am often asked how I feel my products can translate across all species of mammals, and below we will talk about how Re-Borne colostrum can play a role in foxhound health.

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26 | COVERTSIDE

gastrointestinal repair in both small and large animals to improving appetite and benefitting numerous types of skin disease and skin conditions. We have received numerous requests for solutions to various ailments in several species and rescues over the past several months alone.

Application of colostrum in the foxhound may well benefit these canines for several reasons. Foxhounds are quite the interesting lot because of their naturally good noses and their tenacity of purpose when tracking down live scent. They exhibit a tremendous amount of stamina when working the fields and surrounding wooded areas throughout a day of hunting. Re-Borne in this case can revitalize the canine gastrointestinal tract,

and in addition, aid in healing any gastric issues along with improving absorption and assimilation of nutrients. Also Re-Borne helps to bolster the immune system to fight off intestinal and skin infections. All of this helps to improve the ability of hounds to work throughout a long stay in the field and recover from these efforts with more rapidly.

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Annual GIFT GUIDE 2015

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DUBARRY MULLIGAN MEN’S SWEATER Price: $179.00 The Mulligan is a ribbed, shooting-inspired sweater with double-quilted shoulder patches and crew neck. This item of men’s knitwear will keep you warm all season! www.dubarry.us.

28 | COVERTSIDE

FOX MASK RING Price: $85.00 One of jewelry maker Charlotte Jones’ most stunning creations, this brass and sterling silver fox mask ring is sure to delight foxhunting ladies this holiday season. www.shinybycharlotte.com

HORZE GRAND PRIX KNEE PATCH BREECHES FOR MEN Price: $99.95 These Grand Prix men’s breeches have high quality craftsmanship and details for a polished look while elastic leg bottoms keep the pants securely in place under your boots without rubbing. www.horze.com

FOR RIDERS AQUUS WATERPROOF JACKET AND TIGHTS FOR WOMEN Price: Jacket $169.95 Tights $139.00 Stay warm and dry all day long with Aquus jacket and tights, made from an innovative three-layer fabric. The exterior layer is water- and wind-proof, while the thin, breathable middle layer ensures proper body temperature, and the interior fleece layer is soft against the skin. www.irideonridingwear.com

SNAFFLE BIT BRACELET Price: $35.00 Pretty petite snaffle bit bracelets, classic or sparkly — whatever you wish — is possible with creations from Grey Horse Saddlery. Email greyhorsesaddlery@gmail.com to place your holiday order!

THERMA-CELL HEATED INSOLES Price: $130.00-$180.00 These wireless remote-control insoles for your shoes have two heat settings and a built-in thermostat. Each pair comes with a wireless remote and charger which can fit in most boots and outdoor shoes. www.thermacell.com

FOR KIDS

CHILDREN’S LEXINGTON WATERPROOF TALL BOOTS Price $109.95 The fully waterproof Children’s Lexington Waterproof Tall Boots will keep your young foxhunter protected from all weather conditions. Made from real leather and contrasting suede, this functional and stylish boot will find many uses outside of the barn as well! www.smartpak.com

CHILDREN’S DAISY CLIPPER EMBROIDERED RIDING PANT AND DAISY CLIPPER BELT Price: Pant $49.95 Belt $39.95 Beige cotton knitted riding pant with adorable embroidered pony adds fun to these comfortable schooling pants. Finish the look with the Daisy Clipper Belt with stirrup buckle and snaffle bit detail! www.huntleyequestrian.com

WINTER 2015 | 29

Annual GIFT GUIDE 2015

FOR TRAVELERS

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Casas de Guadalupe is a special place to embark on a southwestern adventure. Close to two New Mexico hunts. Special rates available for foxhunters! santafe-vacationrentals.com

The Willamette Coast Ride is a six day, small group ride through three distinct landscapes in the Pacific Northwest United States! Nice accommodations, fresh and often gourmet meals, two wine tastings and transfers during the ride. www.willamettecoastride.com

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FOR HORSES BUCAS POWER TURNOUT Price: $129.95-$389.95 This waterproof and breathable ballistic nylon turnout rug has a heat reflective inner aluminum coating and features Stay-dry anti-bacterial lining which means the rug can be put on a wet horse the same way as a sweat rug. www.bucas.com

ZEPHYR’S GARDEN ANTIFUNGAL SPRAY Price: From $26.00 Zephry’s Garden Antifungal Spray contains 11 herbs and three essential oils in an aloe vera base that is gentle on the skin but tough on infections.

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WINTER 2015 | 31

KATE SELBY,

HOUND

Huntsmen are known to wax poetic about those canine friends in their charge.

FAVORITE HOUND:

GREEN MOUNTAIN EDDY ‘08

By Old North Bridge Acorn ’03 out of Green Mountain Eclipse ‘03

KATE SELBY AT GREEN MOUNTAIN doesn’t have any trouble choosing a favorite hound. She doesn’t even have to stop and think: Eddy, whom she says taught her how to hunt her pack, is the obvious choice.

“He knew the rules of the game

BY KATIE BO WILLIAMS

A

sking huntsmen to choose a favorite hound is like asking a librarian for a favorite book.

Here’s how the conversation goes: Most have to stop and think. They pick one, pause, remember another great one, equivocate, start parsing out their packs by different superlatives or years.

Often, the final choice isn’t a strike hound. It’s a hound whose judgment can be trusted, whose intelligence is selfevident in his service to his huntsman and his pack.

better than I did,” Selby says. “When I would cast them, he understood in what direction and whether they

Sometimes it’s a hound who is a teacher, who guides a new huntsman as he or she learns new country. Other times, it’s a hound that carries on the grand tradition of a particular bloodline.

The qualities that make a star hound in a given pack are as varied as the game they hunt, the country over which they hunt, and the professionals who hunt them. Perhaps the only commonality is that when asked, any huntsman can talk tirelessly about the virtues of a single hound.

Covertside asked a few huntsmen to tell us about their favorite hound. Here are their stories.

should go into the wind, out of the wind, did I want them to go deep into covert — he just understood where I wanted them to go or where he needed to be.”

Eddy doesn’t fill any set role in the pack, Selby says — he can be a strike hound, but he’s happy in the middle of the pack as well. He doesn’t have the best voice in her pack, but he has a voice.

His true value is in his intelligence.

It translates to energy and drive, Selby says, and the pack respects and honors him.

Eddy will also correct her from time to time, Selby says.

“If I cast and he felt like this was not such a great idea, he’d go and come back pretty quickly,” she says.

Hunting a new territory in September, Selby found herself on the side of a mountain in the woods.

She couldn’t see her hounds, but she could hear Eddy and his siblings, the core of her pack.

“I knew even when I couldn’t see them that I could just keep going along with those voices and I could catch a glimpse every so often,” Selby

MARGARET HOLMES

says. “None of them would be neces-

32 | COVERTSIDE

sarily right out front but they were right on and I knew that we were doing the right thing.”

PETER WILSON

MY FAVORITE

GREEN MOUNTAIN HOUNDS

PETER WILSON, GRAND CANYON HOUNDS FAVORITE HOUND:

CAPTURE

PETER WILSON can tell you about RoseTree Ox — a Penn-Marydel that helped lead Grand Canyon to a victory in the Western Hunt Challenge — but he would rather talk about Capture, a big red dog with dark points, a “coyote stopper” that’s half foxhound, half sighthound.

“It’s kind of unorthodox, he doesn’t really have a complete pedigree,” Wilson admits — but it works in Arizona’s high-elevation, arid climate. “We’re talking about catching game when you’re talking about him.”

Wilson acquired the part-Saluki six years ago from Beth Blackwell, then with Tennessee Valley. At the time, he had been trying and failing to incorporate some sighthound into his breeding program, looking for front-end speed to cope with Arizona’s open country.

His experiments up until that point had lacked either the endur-

TERRY PAINE, SANTA FE WEST HILLS HUNT

ance and the durability they needed to stand up to the tough cli-

FAVORITE HOUND:

mate, or the teamwork and the smarts they needed to hunt coyote

SANTA FE CHEERFUL ‘05

By Santa Fe Baron ’94 out of Santa Fe Chicklett

as part of a pack.

Along came Capture.

“He can stand up physically to a long day of hunting with a pack of hounds,” Wilson says. “He’s going to be able to run with them, right in the middle of them and when you need him, he can go to

FOR TERRY PAINE, his favorite hound might be better described as his favorite bloodline.

In fact, the first thing Paine says about Cheerful is that he

the front and close the deal for us.”

Perhaps most importantly, Wilson says, Capture will gauge himself. If he finds himself behind a coyote he can’t catch, he’ll “run

is an outstanding example of his Duke of Beaufort sire line —

smart and keep waiting for an opportunity instead of just full-boring

and when Paine goes on to talk about the hound, he uses the

like a greyhound.”

plural pronoun.

He describes a family of hard-working hounds that consider off-game like rabbits beneath them.

“They wouldn’t just sit and look up at your horse,” Paine says. “They were out there pressing the country all the time.”

That kind of tenacious attitude is important in California’s

Capture’s success has encouraged Wilson to persevere with his breeding experiments. He has crossed the hound on a pure running Walker, keeping the toughness and heat resistance in mind. The puppies, Wilson says, have been a great success.

“I would never promote it or push it on anyone else, but it works for what we’re dealing with — it’s just so different,” Wilson says.

hot, dry climate. Equally important is a biddable pack mentality.

“I don’t care for hounds that want to go off and hunt by themselves, especially in some of our brushy country,” Paine says. “Some of our brush is 12 feet high and four feet thick at the base.”

Paine remembers one of the years Santa Fe participated in the Western Challenge. As he hunted his hounds with the judge riding behind him, the game reversed directions and much of his staff was thrown out of the hunt.

MELISSA RICE, CAMDEN HUNT FAVORITE HOUND:

CAMDEN FALSTAFF ‘91

By Camden Explorer ’81 out of Aiken Freesia ’85

“We had hounds carrying a pretty good line and headed right for a road,” Paine says. “We got within about 100 yards of the road and I cried out with my voice and blew my horn

MELISSA RICE hasn’t had a favorite hound as a huntsman yet: She

and pulled the hounds right on around me.”

will carry the horn for the first time at Camden this year, with a pack

The judge, he recalls, said, “Tell me you can do that all the time and I’ll just walk in right now.”

Cheerful, he says, embodies that kind of attitude — and accordingly, Paine has used him heavily in his breeding program.

she has inherited from former Huntsman Kurt Krucke.

“I know that I’ll have one or two in this pack, but I haven’t hunted them yet, so I’m not really sure who it will be!” Rice says. She has a lot of older hounds and young entry, but few established middle-

WINTER 2015 | 33

aged hounds in their prime. She’s playing a waiting game now, reserving her judgment as she gets to know her pack.

Nonetheless, she remembers clearly a hound she came to know when she was whipping-in for Krucke in the 1990s, a favorite of Krucke’s that she credits with teaching her as much as any hound since.

Falstaff was a shy hound in the kennels, Rice remembers. He was never a show hound, although he was attractive, with large eyes and a square head.

What made Falstaff stand out was his distinctive, trusted voice. He was a strike hound and when he opened, it was a fox.

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In Camden’s closed country — where Rice says “we hunt off of our ear, not our eye” — hounds like Falstaff are invaluable. He would return to his huntsman’s feet when the pack was running off-game.

Rice says Falstaff taught her something at every stage of his career. She remembers watching him age and begin to dwell.

“He has his fox that he decides he is going to run and you have to stop him,” Rice says “He looks at you and he’s insulted because he is running a fox. Why are you telling him he can’t run this fox, why does he have to run his cousin’s fox?”

Huntsmen often love the hounds that teach them — and Falstaff was nothing if not an educator.

“I know what I’m looking for in this pack, but it’ll be interesting to see how it evolves from a huntsman’s point of view

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34 | COVERTSIDE

instead of from a whip’s point of view,” she says.

ROBERT DOUGLAS,

It’s that trustworthiness, Douglas says, that

SOUTH CREEK FOXHOUNDS

makes Nitro invaluable to his pack — and a per-

FAVORITE HOUND:

sonal favorite to the Florida huntsman.

SOUTH CREEK NITRO ‘07

By South Creek Brenden out of Midland Nina

Even in his first season hunting, Douglas says Nitro impressed him as a steady, reliable hound.

He could trust him to tattle on young entry, something he says is particularly important in South Creek’s game-thick country.

Robert Douglas could hear some of his young

“We have a lot of deer and a lot of hog and

hounds speaking, but he had already made up

don’t let hounds run either one,” Douglas says.

his mind it wasn’t right — some of his puppies

“That’s probably the most important thing to be,

were rioting.

steady and reliable.”

As he listened, he watched Nitro, an older hound that he trusted, run down the road as hard as he

At 10 years old, Nitro is still in the kennels, although he’s starting to slow down a little bit.

could go. The Crossbred doghound was going

“I had so many good ones that I liked so

to check out what all the commotion was about.

much,” Douglas says. “But one of my best all-

Douglas knew he would report back if his young

time is Nitro.”

hounds were speaking on something they shouldn’t.

COURTESY ROBERT DOUGLAS

“As soon as he got close to those hounds, he almost did a somersault,” Douglas remembers.

“He turned on his head and came running back to me as hard as he could come!”

“Okay,” he thought. “Now I know it’s no good!”

Katie Bo Williams is a freelance journalist and editor based in Washington, D.C. A lifetime Virginia foxhunter, her work has been featured in racing publications such as the Saratoga Special and the Midatlantic Thoroughbred. She has also been a contributor to Discover, Nautilus and Twisted South.

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WINTER | AM 35 9/11/2015 2015 10:55:59

HEALTHY HORSE

Huntsman Codie Hayes and Whipper-in Adam Feureisen braving the cold in Golden’s

RACHEL MEDBERY

Bridge territory.

Cold Weather Care Keep your horse healthy on frosty days.

A

s the weather turns colder, foxhunters are just hitting their stride. Paying attention to a few basic details can help keep your horse’s overall health in top form and keep him sound through the rest of the hunt season.

As an equine veterinarian, I know that most of my patients are well equipped to deal with even the harshest winter conditions, but there are a few areas to which I ask my clients to pay closer attention when temperatures drop: horses’ water and energy intake, the footing you are riding on, and how much time is spent warming up and cooling down.

When it’s cold outside, water buckets inside get chilled too and horses drink less even though their body still has the

36 | COVERTSIDE

BY LIZ BARRETT, DVM, MS, DACVS

same basic requirement as in the summer. Not drinking enough water can lead to a multitude of problems, a major one being colic due to impaction. Offering your horse warm water or warm bran mashes can help ensure he drinks his six to eight gallons a day. Be sure to remove any ice from water buckets at least once a day and offer fresh, non-frozen water. Be sure your horse’s mineral or salt lick is fresh, too; this also will encourage him to drink.

This is particularly true of field hunters who work up a sweat during hunt day.

During the winter months your horse must put more energy into staying at his normal body temperature. You can help him with this by increasing the energy he is being fed or providing him ways to stay warmer without using his own en-

ergy. Winter blankets and good shelters to protect him from the elements decrease the fed energy requirements of your horse during winter. Keep in mind that if your horse is clipped in the winter to help him dissipate sweat and heat faster, he will require slightly more help than an unclipped horse.

Along with increased energy requirements, horses need more time to warm up and cool down in the winter to prevent various muscle, tendon and ligament strains. Arrive early to the meet to get your horse moving before that first run. While there are no written-in-stone rules on how long to warm up at each gait in cold weather, follow your horse’s normal warm-up requirements during the spring and fall and spend more time at each gait in the winter to allow muscles

more time to raise their internal temperature.

Galloping headlong through fields in the winter has some hazards, of course. The variations in footing include packed snow, slush, and although we need to avoid it, ice. Your farrier can provide your horse with appropriate shoeing to help him grip the ground to prevent injuries caused by slipping and sliding around on the snow. You may consider placing caulks (studs) into the shoes to provide your horse with even more grip, depending on how slippery the footing may be on a particular day. Snow can ball up in horseshoes and create a dangerous pack of ice that prevents your horse from being able to balance or grip the ground adequately. If you are doing a lot of riding in the snow, or even if your horse is turned out in the snow, convex pads can be placed in the shoes to prevent a buildup of snow. They are an easy option to prevent this problem through the winter months.

By paying attention to these few basic winter issues and continuing on with your horse’s regular maintenance health care over the colder months, you can help stop problems before they start. You and your horse can stay sound, healthy, and happy, and continue to enjoy many hunting seasons to come.

Dr. Barrett is from Prince Edward Island, Canada, where she completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Atlantic Veterinary College. After a surgical internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and a surgical residency and masters program at Auburn University, she joined the Hagyard Sport Horse team in the fall of 2013 to focus on lameness and emergency work.

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WINTER 2015 | 37

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Helmet Care for Longevity and Beauty GIVE YOUR HELMET THE SAME LEVEL OF ATTENTION AS YOUR OTHER EQUIPMENT.

Y

our Charles Owen riding helmet is designed to protect your head and help reduce the chance of injury in a fall. Generally, the average life span of your helmet is five years, as the materials used to produce helmets can possibly be degraded by elements such as heat, sweat and hair styling products. However, if you sustain a fall in your helmet, it is of utmost importance that you replace your helmet immediately — especially if you lose consciousness or have a headache.

“But there isn’t any damage to my helmet,” you say. “I was only whacked in the face by a low hanging branch! I’ve had much worse falls.”

38 | COVERTSIDE

Sometimes damage is not visible to the naked eye. In this case, your helmet’s protective qualities would be weakened and might not protect you as well in your next fall. Underneath the protective shell of your Charles Owen & Co. helmet is a layer of expanded polystyrene, which is made up of thousands of beads that are full of microscopic air bubbles. These small but mighty air bubbles are what absorb the energy of a fall. In fact, the impact of a fall causes layers of the bubbles to burst, using the bubbles to slow the speed of your head’s impact and thus protecting your brain from traumatic injury.

If you were to fall and hit your head in the same spot again, the bubbles would not be there to absorb the energy of the fall.

Charles Owen & Co. strongly suggests replacing any helmet involved in a horseback riding accident because, without taking apart your helmet, there is no way of knowing how much of the protection was used in the accident. You should complete and submit an Accident Report Form before taking your damaged helmet to your local retailer.

You will receive a discount on the purchase of a new Charles Owen & Co. helmet: 65 percent

off Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) during the first year of ownership, 50 percent off MSRP during the second year of ownership, and 20 percent off MSRP during the third year of ownership.

When caring for your Charles Owen & Co. helmet, keep this rule of thumb in mind: Never do things to your helmet that you wouldn’t think of doing to your head. Just like your head, your helmet is sensitive to extreme heat (158°F+). You’d never sit in your car with the windows up on a summer day, and neither should your helmet. Do not leave your helmet in direct sunlight and hurry off to the breakfast or tailgate. The heat will cause the tiny polystyrene bubbles inside the helmet to melt, therefore weakening the protective qualities of the helmet.

Hours following hounds over the course of a season can definitely result in a sweaty and smelly helmet. If your helmet is sweaty and ripe-smelling after a day’s hunting, resist the urge to put it back into your helmet bag or trunk! Just spray the helmet lining with odor- and bacteriakilling Charles Owen Helmet Deodorizer and leave the helmet in a cool, ventilated place to dry

out overnight. Do the same thing if you get caught in a rainstorm and the helmet becomes soaked through! Just like your Melton coat, your mud splattered velvet or microfiber suede helmet should be left to dry overnight and then brushed off in the morning. Leather Look or jockey skulls can be spot cleaned with a damp sponge. Use the minimum amount of water possible as helmets can easily become moldy.

The inside liner of your helmet should be cleaned using only the specially formulated Charles Owen Helmet Cleaner, which safely breaks up dirt and grease, ensuring your helmet remains clean and fresh during the course of its lifetime. Never put your helmet in the dishwasher or use harsh chemicals to clean it, as these factors will compromise the integrity of your helmet’s protective composition, and therefore the safety of your head as well!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Master’s Dinner, Annual Meeting and Masters’ Ball in

New York

January 28 & 29, 2016 For additional information and to make reservations online, visit www.mfha.com

The Pierre

The Union Club

Schedule of events:

MASTER’S DINNER

MASTERS’ BALL

When: January 28, 2016, Cocktails at 7

When: January 29, 2016, Cocktails at 7

p.m., Dinner at 8 p.m.

p.m., Dinner at 8 p.m.

NEW MASTERS’ LUNCH & SEMINAR

Where: Union Club

Where: The Pierre

Cost: $275/pp

Cost: $275/pp

(invitations will be sent to new Masters)

Details: Masters and ex-Masters only

Details: Must be a current subscribing

When: January 28, 2016, at 12 p.m.

member to attend

Cost: No charge

ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING/SEMINAR

Details: A chance for new Masters to meet

When: January 29, 2016, at 9 a.m.

the MFHA Board of Directors. Seminar will

Where: Union Club

begin immediately following lunch and

Cost: No charge

will be led by past MFHA President Marty

Details: Must be a current

Wood, MFH Live Oak Hounds.

subscribing member to attend

Where: The Pierre

(jacket and tie required) Keynote Speaker: Olympic equestrian Capt. Mark Phillips

For more information, please contact Yolanda Knowlton at (914) 393-9916

ROOM BLOCKS ARE RESERVED AT THE PIERRE (800) 743-7734 Cost: $370/night standard, $430/night city view Reserve your room by December 26, 2015

WINTER 2015 | 39

BETTER HUNTING

To identify hounds in a pack, Huntsman Lilla Mason observes each hound’s unique movement.

COVERTSIDE: How do you identify your hounds by sight and sound, when they look and sound alike to the casual observer?

MASON: People might think that we go by markings — that odd spot on a leg or behind an ear — but you can’t always see those things. If you study hounds, you’ll see that they all move differently, much like horses. Some are high steppers while others stride out, and you learn to recognize these distinctions from a distance.

There’s a real value to summer hound-walking. On foot you have time to learn body language and

Hounds 101

Iroquois Huntsman Lilla S. Mason tackles some fundamental questions about hounds and scent.

how each hound moves. And there are a lot of similar traits within a family line. Think about the kids you knew when you were growing up. You probably noticed traits that were common to a family, and likenesses among siblings. A huntsman notices those characteristics and similari-

BY JOANNE MESZOLY | PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID TRAXLER

L

ongtime hunt members and those raised from childhood on a steady diet of foxhunting often possess an innate understanding of the sport.

But for others, the nuanced behavior of the hounds and the communication between huntsman and pack remain a mystery. Whether they are shy about their lack of knowledge, or don’t have the opportunity to ask staff those burning questions, many hunt members lack basic knowledge of hunting with hounds.

Lilla S. Mason, huntsman with Kentucky’s Iroquois Hunt, offered to field a few “softball”

40 | COVERTSIDE

ties within a line of hounds.

COVERTSIDE: Are there ideal weather conditions that optimize

questions addressing how and why hounds work so well as a pack.

Mason, who hails from the hunter/jumper circuit, began exercising hunt horses in the mid-1980s and was quickly hooked. In 1994 she became a whipper-in for Iroquois, and nine years later, stepped into the position of huntsman. Since 2013, she has served as both MFH and huntsman. With territory comprising rolling, open grassland, and coyote as prime quarry, Iroquois hunts with English foxhounds which, says Mason, possess the big stride, physical strength and tenacity to hunt coyote, but are also biddable.

scent? Do certain factors — excessive heat or low humidity — account for a “ho-hum” day?

MASON: Scent is a very complicated subject. Many books and articles have been devoted to the topic, but no one has a perfect formula for what conditions make for a good or bad scent. Barometric pressure, dryness or moisture, air temperature versus temperature on the ground, and other

Much as a football team consists of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who play various positions at different levels, so do the hounds operate as a whole, with each individual contributing at his or her own level. conditions play a role, but there

their skills and older hounds use

isn’t a precise, known balance.

their particular expertise to help

The scent may be better in the

the pack as a whole.

shade as opposed to in the sun,

And you need enough hounds

or stronger in cover, and less so in

so when they give tongue, they’ll

an open field. It’s up to the hunts-

draw the pack together, and

man to put the hounds where

give cry so that we know where

they can best find the scent.

they are going. That’s probably

With regards to those “ho-

the most vital reason for a large

hum” or bad scenting days, they

number: to create that voice we

often give field members the

can follow, in addition to the cry

best opportunity to learn how

that keeps them together as a

hounds work. On a slower day, I

unified group.

can explain what is happening,

That said, there are times

which hound is casting around,

when I might take out six to

which gives voice and how they

eight couple, and use that op-

are interacting. When those days

portunity as a training day. Often

occur in autumn, field members

it’s when weather has forced

can see the difference between

us to take a long break, or the

inexperienced puppies and ma-

footing demands a conservative

ture hounds at work.

approach. I might take fewer out and let the puppies get comfort-

COVERTSIDE: There are often

able with finding the line.

many couple at a meet; why must so many hunt at a time?

COVERTSIDE: Can you identify your quarry solely based on the

MASON: Although we refer to a

hounds’ behavior?

pack of hounds, they really work as a group, not as a pack in the

MASON: It really depends on

traditional sense of the word.

the territory. I try not to make

(They don’t have that dominance

assumptions because quarry may

hierarchy that defines a pack of

not behave as characteristically

wolves.)

as you’d think. There have been

Much as a football team con-

times when I thought they were

sists of freshmen, sophomores,

on a fox because the quarry stays

juniors and seniors who play vari-

in a cover, but it turns out to be

ous positions at different levels, so

a young coyote. Fortunately, our

do the hounds operate as a whole,

hunt country is very open, so

with each individual contributing

eventually you see the quarry.

at his or her own level. This provides optimum sport as hounds use their instincts to puzzle out the line in a variety of scenting conditions. Young hounds improve

Joanne Meszoly is a Marylandbased freelance writer and a member of the Potomac Hunt.

She is a frequent Covertside contributor.

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BETTER RIDING

Consider these exercises while trail riding or

Trainer Steuart Pittman (r) simulates field behavior to teach horses good manners.

hacking away from home. You will need a few willing participants to help:

• HACK SINGLE-FILE WITH THREE OR MORE RIDERS. At a trot, allow the horse trailing the group to pass the others and take the lead. Over the course of the ride, swap places, allowing each horse a turn in every position in your “mini hunt.” If this asks too much of your horse, then maintain the same position, and change places on the next outing.

• WHILE HACKING OUT WITH JUST ONE OTHER RIDER, again alternate between leader and follower. When ERIN DRAGE PITTMAN

riding in the back, gradually lengthen the space between your horse and the one in front. Lengthen the distance by several feet and maintain it, until your

The Essence of Whoa

Slowing and stopping your horse is essential.

But activating those brakes? Easier said than done.

L

BY JOANNE MESZOLY

et me set the scene: The hounds are in full cry, blazing away, and you’re in the core of the hunt field, amidst galloping horses, streaking across a pasture. At this speed, your mount feels a bit out of control, but he’s keeping pace with the rest.

Only when you crest a hill do you spy the hounds and huntsman clustered in the valley below. The field master and riders ahead have pulled up. But your horse? He ignores your “stop now!” cues and is hell-bent to continue. You grit your teeth and thanks to sheer force — and the horse’s butt just in front — manage a screeching halt.

It’s possible that you’ve been cast in this role. At minimum you’ve probably 42 | COVERTSIDE

horse is comfortable and relaxed when following at a distance.

• ONCE YOUR MOUNT HAS MASTERED THESE EXERCISES, split up your riding group at a trailhead or fork in the path.

Note: the pace does not matter, but should your horse become anxious, a working trot serves as a better distraction than an ambling walk.

In addition to these exercises, eventing training Steuart Pittman rec-

witnessed it — perhaps with a horse who’s inexperienced and anxious, or maybe an especially keen, seasoned mount. Either way, the challenge is herculean: to stop a 1,200-pound beast, built with a body to run and an instinct to flee.

“Developing a horse for the field is harder than training a whip or huntsman’s horse,” says Camie Stockhausen, an eventer, trainer, and member of Nebraska’s North Hills Hunt. “The horse has to be bold enough to go forward and jump, but sane enough to be pulled up in a group.”

The trick to stopping is: well, there is no trick. Slowing down or halting while horses nearby have not, requires training, experience, and properly fitted, suitable tack.

ommends that riders learn and practice the mechanics of stopping their horses as they would on the run, in the field.

He approaches slowing down “the way an eventer would,” by using his body to cease motion.

“When I’m in galloping position and I want my horse to come back to me or halt, I lock my knees and hips, close my fingers, and try to become a piece of wood,” he says. “I don’t lower myself to the saddle because my hips start going and I begin driving the horse with my seat. Instead, I lock my body to slow or stop.”

“But,” he adds, “it takes strength to be still. And that requires a level of fitness.”

HOME SCHOOLING

Improving your horse’s slowdown response hinges on his ability to think independently and respond to your cues. But that’s just part of the equation.

Another key factor: balance.

“A lot of horses don’t want to use their hind ends, they just want to lean in,” says Lilla Simpson Mason, MFH and huntsman for Kentucky’s Iroquois Hunt. “When you try to stop, they feel like they’re going to fall over.”

Steuart Pittman, who has hunted with Maryland’s Marlborough Hunt and trains scores of horses, particularly exracehorses, agrees. “With some horses, there’s that desire to get out in front. But with others, they are just leaning on you.

You’ve got to get their attention and make it less comfortable to lean and run off-balance.”

A stronger bit or restrictive noseband might take the

lean out, and put the “whoa” back in, but it can introduce fractious behavior. The solution begins with schooling and practice at home, to teach the horse to balance by listening to the rider’s seat, legs and hands.

Mason uses dressage to maximize balance in her hunt mounts. One basic exercise she recommends is to practice 20-meter circles to encourage a horse to gather his hind end underneath himself, and carry himself at the canter.

“Also, lateral work is effective — just getting the horse to step to the side — because it fires more neurons in their body and engages more muscle fibers,” she says. “If all you do is go forward, the horse is only using one set of muscles. But bending, crossing over, he’ll use more muscle fibers.”

In the past, Stockhausen has organized lessons tailored for foxhunters, emphasizing transi-

THE HAND BRAKE There’s more than one way to slow down a horse, and many years ago, an old-school show hunter trainer taught me to pat my horse’s neck at the conclusion of each lesson. Typically, the horse was tired and ready to quit; after the last jump I’d bridge my reins and pat the mare’s neck, and she’d break from the canter to a walk. It didn’t take long before she’d slow as I’d bridged my reins and lowered my hand.

It was a neat trick and I’ve since taught this to many horses.

(In fact, every horse I’ve owned has learned this cue. It doesn’t always pan out, but it works more often than you’d think.)

Of course, the hunt field lacks the confinement and solitude of an enclosed ring. And for some riders, it’s downright unsafe to drop a rein in the hunt field. But if you train your horse at home, you can modify the cue: as you pat the neck to stop, loosen the reins. With consistency and repetition, your horse will

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learn to slow down, whether you give a pat or loop the reins.

Despite diligent practice, this trick will not stop your hunter as he’s running full-bore with the field. But give it a try on a quiet day, when he’s attuned and responsive, and when there’s an obvious stop up ahead. He might surprise you.

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EMILY ESTERSON

KIMBERWICKE

heavy-headed horses, but some evade pressure by tucking chin

Flip through any saddlery

to chest, also called getting

catalogue and you’ll find a diz-

“behind the bit.”

zying array of bits — literally

The KIMBERWICKE is also

hundreds — many of which are

in the leverage bit family, but

similar and separated by indis-

it works off one set of reins,

cernible nuances.

which is why some foxhunt-

Cast an eye around the hunt

ers prefer it over a Pelham. On

field, however, and you’ll notice

one hand, the curb action is

a more selective choice of bits.

minimized because this bit does

With that in mind, there are a

not have long shanks. However,

few hunt staples:

without a snaffle rein, the curb

They may be straight-

effect is always in action. Some

barred, ported, rubber-coated

horses resist by bracing against

or jointed, but a PELHAM is a

the mouthpiece. (Kimberwicke

combination snaffle/curb bit.

is the common American spell-

Snaffle reins connect to the top

ing, much to the dismay of

rings, while curb reins attach to

many Brits who recognize the

the shank ends, providing lever-

bit’s name for its founding in

age as well as pressure on the

the town of “Kimblewick.”)

horse’s mouth. A curb chain,

Designed for horses who

also activated with the lower

lean down, a RUNNING GAG

reins, squeezes the jaw, further

combines an egg-butt snaffle

pressing the bit against the

with cheek pieces that “run

horse’s mouth. Generally speak-

through” slots in the bit. When

tions and other fundamentals, to help riders feel more comfortable and foster the horse’s independent thinking.

“In these lessons, we’re not trying to be [show] hunters,” she says. “The focus is on safety. Can you stop indepen44 | COVERTSIDE

dently, while everyone else is cantering? Can you pick up the canter when other horses are walking?”

Even if lessons aren’t your scene, you can hone your horse’s transitions, responsiveness to aids, and independence.

EMILY ESTERSON

The Usual Suspects

ing, Pelham bits help to elevate

EMILY ESTERSON

Bits:

PELHAM

the rider applies pressure to the reins, the jointed mouthpiece exerts the traditional “nutcracker”

BUBBLE BIT

effect on the mouth, while the cheek pieces apply pressure the corners of the

tached to a larger ring, with two

lips and against the poll. This

(sometimes three) smaller rings

encourages the horse to lift his

stacked below. The reins can be

head to alleviate pressure. This

attached to any of the rings, but

bit helps correct horses who

the lowest set offers the most

bear down, but it is not suitable

leverage. (It’s possible to attach

for any rider who balances off

a second set of snaffle reins,

his or her hands.

but few riders do.) The key to

Call it a three-ringed eleva-

this bit’s popularity: the multiple

tor, a BUBBLE BIT, a Pessoa

rings provide options in pressure

gag, a European elevator gag,

and leverage. The drawback: it

a Dutch gag, a continental

can be too mild for some horses

snaffle — it’s all one and the

who set their mouths against

same: a snaffle mouth piece at-

the mouthpiece and run.

These skills pay off in spades in the hunt field.

IN THE THICK OF IT

Despite practice and training, you might find that your horse is still too strong in the hunt field. Or he might insist on jig-

ging and ignoring those “widen the gap” lessons. In this latter case — when your horse wants to go and there’s nowhere to go —throw in some lateral work.

Move your horse away from leg pressure, just a few steps in one direction, then move him the

Register today!

2016 BIENNIAL

STAFF SEMINAR

IT ONLY HAPPENS EVERY TWO YEARS. DON’T MISS IT! April 22nd – 24th, 2016

Topics and Activities Include:

Westfields Marriott Hotel, Chantilly, VA

• Special presentation by Jimmy Wofford • Hunting Across America

Must be a Subscribing Member to attend.

• A Year in the Life of a Foxhound

VISIT OUR FOXHUNTING EXPO

• The Hunt Horse

Shop for unique items and hunting supplies!

• Master’s Focused Roundtable • Middleburg Hunt kennel and Huntland Tours

A rare opportunity to visit with vendors.

Hours: 12:00-6:00 on Saturday and 7:30 to 5:00 on Sunday.

MORE DETAILS AVAILABLE ON THE MFHA WEBSITE.

VISIT WWW.MFHA.COM

SUPPORT MFHA

SUPPORT OUR FINE SPONSORS

Interested in exhibiting at the Expo?

Contact events@covertside.net

NOW AVAILABLE AT BOOKSTORES EVERYWHERE.

Would you like to become a corporate sponsor of MFHA? Contact publisher@covertside.net or 505-553-2671 for opportunies WINTER 2015 | 45

other way.

“On a basic level, you’re getting the horse to move his feet, which is what horses do to others for dominance,” says Mason.

“If you get that jigging horse to move sideways or leg yield, that’s harder work. It’s easier to him to just behave.”

But when speed is a factor and stopping is imperative, abandon subtleties and use what works. “Rider fatigue can be a problem,” says Pittman, when a horse is pulling relentlessly. “One solution is to ride with one fist braced into the withers. It makes the horse carry his own weight and pulls against his neck. You can use your other hand for maneuvering.”

HARDWARE AND EQUIPMENT

U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Published in accordance with 707.8.3, Domestic Mail Manual) 1. Publication Title:

Price: $20.00

Covertside

7. Mailing Address of

2. Publication Number:

Publication: Masters

021-771

of Foxhounds Association, P.O. Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646

3. Filing Date: 10/1/2015 4. Issue Frequency: Quarterly, 4x 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 4 6. Annual Subscription

8. Mailing Address of Head quarters: E-squared Editorial Services, 2329 Lakeview Road. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation:

9. Publisher and Editor: Emily Esterson, 2329 Lakeview Road. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, Managing Editor: Same

Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None

10. Owner: Masters of Foxhounds Association, P.O. Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646

12. Tax Status: 501(c)4

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Securities

Average No. Copies Each Issue Preceding 12 Months

13. Publication Title: Covertside 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Fall 2015

No. Copies of Single During Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

a. Total Number of Copies 7368 6795 b. Paid Circulation (1) Mailed Outside by Other Classes of Mail 6156 6062 c. Total Paid Distribution 6156 6062 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Outside County 511 120 (2) In-County 0 0 (3) Mailed at Other Classes via USPS 0 0 (4) Outside the Mail 506 513 e. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 1017 633 f. Total Distribution 7173 6695 195 100 g. Copies not Distributed h. Total 7368 6795 i. Percent Paid 86% 91% 16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Winter 2015 issue of this publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor: Emily Esterson, Editor, October 1, 2015

46 | COVERTSIDE

Unlike most equestrian sports, which follow tack and bitting regulations, foxhunting is a virtual free-for-all. Riders may use whatever they wish. Unfortunately, this lends itself to overbitting and unintended abuse.

“A harsher bit is one way to keep a horse from leaning into your hands, but it can make things a whole lot worse,” says Pittman. “Some horses get really pissed off, fast.”

Before tinkering with your horse’s hardware, consider his training and specific challenges: in addition to slowing down, is the goal to lift his head, or does he already travel with his head too high and neck inverted? Is he dull-mouthed and unresponsive, or are his bars particularly sensitive? Some horses benefit from a shanked bit (see sidebar), while others resist leverage by raising their heads or tucking chin to chest. The same can be said about twisted mouthpieces that “bite” into the tongue;

what’s fine for one horse might be offensive to another.

On occasion, when stopping is an issue, Stockhausen has chosen a mild snaffle with a less conventional noseband or martingale. For example, she has used a Kineton noseband, which consists of a leather nose strap and two metal half-rings that pass under the sides of the bit, transferring bit pressure to the nose. “It acts like a governor,” she says. “When a horse runs or bolts and you pull hard, it applies pressure to the nose to slow the horse down.”

Another option she mentions is a German martingale, which forks through the bit and snaps to a set of D-rings on the reins. The advantage of this device? It encourages a high-headed horse to soften at the poll. Again, it is typically coupled with a mild snaffle.

All this said, you might not need a new gadget or even a new bit. In some cases, simply tightening the cavesson or using a figure-8 noseband might be all that it takes to defuse a running tug-of-war. Either way, expect to tinker at home to find the best solution.

“You just don’t know,” says Pittman. “Some draft types and ponies are heavy and hard mouthed, and it takes a bit with a curb chain to get their attention.

Every horse responds differently and you have to see what works.

I’ve seen people halt their jigging horses by giving them a peppermint. It’s not what I’d do, but hey — if it gets results and the horse is happy, go for it.”

Joanne Meszoly is a Marylandbased freelance writer and a member of the Potomac Hunt.

She is a frequent Covertside contributor.

PROVIDING FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS TO HELP SHARE YOUR LEGACY SHARI MASON Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor Accredited Wealth Manager (212) 703-6091 | shari.mason@rbc.com www.masoninvestmentgrouprbc.com

There’s Wealth in Our Approach.™ © 2015 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

15-NF-639_Covertside Mag Ad_3.6x4.8 c.indd 1

10/15/15 4:08 PM

Whiskey Road Foxhounds

HUNT WEEK 2016 February 3 - 7

Come enjoy some of the finest hunting in the South!

Stirrup Cups, Hunt Breakfasts and Evening Soirees at the Finest Homes in Historic Aiken.

WINTER 2015 | 47

HEATHER KUENZI

FARE & FLASK

from MILL CREEK HUNT, Mettawa, IL

Master and honorary whipperin), who co-host along with Dr. Gary Koehler. Koehler is a large-animal vet about whom Gray says, “He lives on a nearby farm, so if a horse is injured in the field, it is common to call him and he will be there by the time the horse returns.” The meal traditionally features both planked salmon and pulled pork. Keith Gray says the excellence of the pork might have something to do with the fact that Roger Lane grew up on a hog farm before becoming a commodities trader: “This is a Susan Cochard serves Anthony Kuenzi, one of Mill Creek’s junior members, a youth-appropriate stirrup cup at the hunt’s opening meet. man who knows pork!”

It is easy to see that Mill Creek folk know all about good eating, as evidenced in the club’s “Mill Creek Hunt Country Cookbook.” Currently being revised in a new edition, the Mill Creek’s opening hunt breakfast features book features scores of recipes hearty fare for hearty hunters. that include stirrup cup drinks and savories, wild inventions

BY MICHAEL STERN for flask and hearty fare for sandwich case, and such items as Passing-the-Field Master Cookies (what to give the field friends and family come to grounds of the Wood-Prince t is hard to believe you master when you commit faux opening day for the blessing of residence, a Midwest farmare only an hour north pas in the field) and Stickthe hounds; all in attendance house that was once the hunt of Chicago when you to-Your-Hunt-Coat Caramel box of William Wood-Prince, a are serenaded by an al fresco ride Mill Creek Hunt’s prominent Chicago philanthro- string quartet. Once the hounds Brownies based on German seven thousand rolling acres chocolate cake. Of course there pist and Mill Creek Master back are cast and the hunt begun, of farm, woodland, prairie and are casseroles and company music continues and nonin the 1940s. Wood-Prince’s stream in northern Illinois. It primary residence was on Chi- riders continue to enjoy snacks, dishes eminently suited for is equally hard to believe that hunt breakfast, or as it’s known drinks, and socializing. “They food accompanying opening-day cago’s posh Lake Shore Drive; at the Mill Creek Hunt, lunch. can be the lucky ones,” recalls like many of the club’s earlier stirrup cups of port, cider and members, he was savvy enough Mill Creek Master Keith Gray. “A I am particularly fond of Anne whiskey can be as tasty as the to acquire land out here in Lake few years back, we had a coyote Harris’s Egg and Bacon Brunch mini andouille sausage quiches circle back right past the Wood- Casserole, a hearty après-hunt County so that their beloved and prime sirloin sliders that meal any time of day.

Prince place and the remaining members enjoy before Huntsman sport could remain free and partyers. They had a better wide-ranging.

Brenda Yost sounds her horn.

Michael Stern has co-authored viewing than the field did!”

More than two dozen riders The formal hunt season over forty books about AmeriAt midday when the hunt and at least twice that many begins mid-September on the can food and popular culture. is done, everyone makes their He created roadfood.com and is way to lunch at the home of heard weekly on Public Radio’s Fare & Flask is sponsored by Huntsman’s Premium Bloody Mary Mix Roger and Chris Lane (Joint “The Splendid Table.”

POSH AND PLENTY

I

48 | COVERTSIDE

the recipe

EGG & BACON BRUNCH CASSEROLE To properly prepare this recipe, you must begin the evening before you plan to serve the casserole. The dry ingredients need time overnight in the refrigerator to steep in, and soak up, the flavors of the spices and wet ingredients. Your guests will be clamoring for this classic, simple to prepare, yet hardy and tasty casserole.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 loaf good white bread, unsliced • 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1/2 pound shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

• 1 box corn flakes

• 8 eggs • 2 cups milk

DIRECTIONS: BUTTER a 9x13-inch glass or porcelain baking dish.

CUBE the bread.

LAYER HALF THE BREAD, all the bacon and cheese, then the remaining bread.

IN A LARGE BOWL, beat together the dry mustard, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour over the bread in the casserole. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 degrees.

• 1/2 cup melted butter, plus some to butter the casserole dish TOP CASSEROLE with corn flakes and drizzle with melted butter.

BAKE 75 MINUTES or until a sharp knife inserted comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

Serves 12

WINTER 2015 | 49

LIBRARY

Foxhunter’s Library

Foster and Thomas sustain us when the hunt cannot.

F

BY GLENYE CAIN OAKFORD

oxhunters often are great book collectors, as well.

Combining the seemingly passive, indoor pursuit of books with the active, outdoorsy, mad dash of hunting might seem contradictory, but in fact, it makes perfect sense — because, after all, the passionate foxhunter can’t spend every hour out with hounds, and when one is grounded by frozen ground, for example, the next best thing is to read about hunting.

And so, to get through the blank days of life, many a foxhunter lays up a good library. In this occasional column, we’ll suggest volumes — some old and some new, some more rare than others — that can help sustain a hunter through the long summers between hunt seasons and the dark days when hounds are iced in at the kennels.

HOUNDS AND HUNTING THROUGH THE AGES

By J. B. Thomas.

272 pages. New York: The Derrydale Press, 1928.

50 | COVERTSIDE

WHIPPER-IN

By Lt. Col. Dennis J. Foster.

310 pages.

Millwood, Virginia: Winchester Printers, 2005.

TO MANY HUNT SUBSCRIBERS, the whipper-in appears to play a mysterious role in the conduct of a hunt. Often invisible to the field, the whipper-in is most frequently seen by the field, either standing, waiting, and solitary on a distant hillside or flashing by at full gallop with

THIS HUNTING CLASSIC is a true tome that was made to survive down the generations, and, with its heavy paper stock, decorative cover, and splendid illustrations, “Hounds and Hunting through the Ages”

an air of great urgency. Foster demystifies the job in a book that is aimed at whippers-in but will be of great interest to hunt subscribers in general. For field members, it provides an insider’s view of the subtle but crucial happenings of a foxhunt.

Whippers-in will value his sympathetic advice, and veteran hunters already well-informed about hunting nuances will appreciate Foster’s insights from his own long experience, which can reveal the paradoxical truths of what might be called the Tao of whipping-in. One

looks right at home on a coffee table. But open the covers, and you’ll never view it as a mere accessory again. Thomas — a man truly possessed by the sport and a fine historian, huntsman, and writer to boot — exhaustively researched his subject and produced a book that provides not just an education, but a great deal of entertainment, too.

From a vast range of sources, Thomas has accumulated a rich trove of wonderful anecdotes, historical scenes, curious stories and arresting details, such as the description of a “beautiful and animated run with Captains Terrett’s

example: “All new whippersin want specific answers to all their questions. Where should I go? What do you want me to do? Most of the time there is no clear answer. No answer is the answer ... then you realize that you’re on the road to success.”

and Darne’s Hounds, within hearing of the Capitol at Washington” and this note about Francis I of France: “The King rode in a stag hunt nearly every day in the week. He used to say that, when he was old and sick, he would be carried after the hounds in a litter, and even added perhaps he would give orders for his dead body to be carried a-hunting in a coffin.”

Be sure to read the endnotes, too; some of the most colorful gems, stories you will re-read and remember with great pleasure, are located there. All together, this history covers a varied terrain in time and geography, and gives the reader one of the most delightful runs in sporting literature.

Glenye Cain Oakfoard is a freelance writer, frequent Covertside contributor, and a member of the Iroquois Hunt.

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WINTER 2015 | 51

LAST RUN OF THE DAY Illustration by Sue Bloom

After the day was done THE RISING SUN was shining brightly through the leaves, shining with all its might as Smitten

“I’m still strong,” say I, a bit defensively.

“I’ve heard some talk amongst the staff

and I went trotting on; he has a mighty trot.

and the members and even some of the older

“We had a talk, Custer and I, and we want you

hounds. They worry about you and so do I.”

to slow down a bit,” Smitten tells me. “The

I resist, so Smitten says to me. “I’ll carry you

days are long and longer still for you. We see

safely through the Spring and we can both

you dragging your weary body home some-

train the young ones what to do.”

times late at night.” Smitten is so very wise.

He speaks up again, “Perhaps you should train some of the younger folk to take up the whip and horn and teach them what to do. You’ve pushed so hard and ridden so fast, the pack has never been better than now.”

Smitten says, “Now let’s get on with it and have some fun. Your last season will be a blast!”

“Thank you, Custer and Smitten for taking such good care of me. I love you both,” say I. —HUNTSMAN DULANY NOBLE, MFH, with a nod to Lewis Caroll’s “The Walrus and The Carpenter.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a photo, story or essay to share with Covertside? Send high-resolution, 300 dpi photographs or essays to editor@covertside.net, or snail mail to Covertside, 2329 Lakeview Rd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 52 | COVERTSIDE

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